ENGLISH   I 


THE  ARROW-MAKER 

A  Drama  in  Three  Acts 


BY 


MARY   AUSTIN 


Revised  Edition 


BOSTON 
HOUGHTON 


COPYRIGHT,    1911,    BY   DUFFIELD   AND   COMPANY 

COPYRIGHT,    1915,    BY   MARY    AUSTIN 

AS   AUTHOR   AND   PROPRIETOR 

ALL    RIGHTS    RESERVED 


The  professional  and  amateur  stage  rights  in  this  play  are 
strictly  reserved  by  the  author,  to  whom  applications  for 
permission  to  produce  it  should  be  made.  Applications 
should  be  addressed  to  Mrs.  Mary  Austin,  National  Arts 
Club,  New  York,  N.  Y.  The  music  may  be  had  from 
Elliot  Schenck,  616  West  n6th  Street,  New  York. 

Attention  is  called  to  the  penalties  provided  by  law  for 
any  infringement  of  the  author's  rights,  as  follows  :  — 

"Sec.  4966:  —  Any  person  publicly  performing  or  representing 
any  dramatic  or  musical  composition  for  which  copyright  has  been 
obtained,  without  the  consent  of  the  proprietor  of  said  dramatic  or 
musical  composition,  or  his  heirs  and  assigns,  shall  be  liable  for  dam 
ages  therefor,  such  damages  in  all  cases  to  be  assessed  at  such  sum, 
not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  for  the  first  and  fifty  dollars  for 
every  subsequent  performance,  as  to  the  court  shall  appear  to  be  just. 
If  the  unlawful  performance  and  representation  be  wilful  and  for 
profit,  such  person  or  persons  shall  be  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and 
upon  conviction  be  imprisoned  for  a  period  not  exceeding  one  year." 
—  U.S.  REVISED  STATUTES,  Title  60,  Chap.  j. 


/A/ 


DEDICATED 
IN   GRATEFUL  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  TO 

'.  C.  H. 

AS   ONE   WHO  AldONG    MANY  PROTESTANTS 
/MADE  GOOD" 


430373 


PREFACE 
TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION 

THE  greatest  difficulty  to  be  met  in  the 
writing  of  an  Indian  play  is  the  extensive 
misinformation  about  Indians.  Any  real 
aboriginal  of  my  acquaintance  resembles  his 
prototype  in  the  public  mind  about  as  much 
as  he  does  the  high-nosed,  wooden  sign  of  a 
tobacco  store,  the  fact  being  that,  among 
the  fifty-eight  linguistic  groups  of  American 
aboriginals,  customs,  traits,  and  beliefs  differ 
as  greatly  as  among  Slavs  and  Sicilians. 
Their  very  speech  appears  not  to  be  derived 
from  any  common  stock.  All  that  they  really 
have  of  likeness  is  an  average  condition  of 
primitiveness:  they  have  traveled  just  so  far 
toward  an  understanding  of  the  world  they 
live  in,  and  no  farther.  It  is  this  general  lim 
itation  of  knowledge  which  makes,  in  spite 
of  the  multiplication  of  tribal  customs,  a 
common  attitude  of  mind  which  alone  affords 
a  basis  of  interpretation. 

But  before  attempting  to  realize  the  work 
ing  of  Indian  psychology,  you  must  first  rid 


viii     PREFACE   TO  FIRST  EDITION 

yourself  of  the  notion  that  there  is  any  real 
difference  between  the  tribes  of  men  except 
the  explanations.  What  determines  man's 
behavior  in  the  presence  of  fever,  thunder, 
and  the  separations  of  death,  is  the  nature  of 
his  guess  at  the  causes  of  these  things.  The 
issues  of  life  do  not  vary  so  much  with  the 
conditions  of  civilization  as  is  popularly 
supposed. 

Chiefest  among  the  misconceptions  of 
primitive  life,  which  make  difficult  any  dra 
matic  presentation  of  it,  is  the  notion  that 
all  human  contacts  are  accompanied  by  the 
degree  of  emotional  stress  that  obtains  only 
in  the  most  complex  social  organizations. 
We  are  always  hearing,  from  the  people 
farthest  removed  from  them,  of  "  great  prim 
itive  passions,"  when  in  fact  what  distin 
guishes  the  passions  of  the  tribesmen  from 
our  own  is  their  greater  liability  to  the  pacific 
influences  of  nature,  and  their  greater  free 
dom  from  the  stimulus  of  imagination.  What 
among  us  makes  for  the  immensity  of  emo 
tion,  is  the  great  weight  of  accumulated  emo 
tional  tradition  stored  up  in  literature  and 
art,  almost  entirely  wanting  in  the  camps  of 
the  aboriginals.  There  the  two  greatest 
themes  of  modern  drama,  love  and  ambition, 


PREFACE    TO   FIRST  EDITION    ix 

are  modified,  the  one  by  the  more  or  less 
communal  nature  of  tribal  labor,  the  other 
by  the  plain  fact  that  in  the  simple,  open-air 
life  of  the  Indian  the  physical  stress  of  sex  is 
actually  much  less  than  in  conditions  called 
civilized. 

When  the  critics  are  heard  talking  of  "dra 
ma  of  great  primitive  passions,"  what  they 
mean  is  great  barbaric  passions,  passions  far 
enough  along  in  the  process  of  socialization 
to  be  subject  to  the  interactions  of  wealth, 
caste,  and  established  religion,  and  still 
free  from  the  obligation  of  politeness.  But 
the  life  of  the  American  Indian  provides  no 
such  conditions,  and,  moreover,  in  the  factor 
which  makes  conspicuously  for  the  degree  of 
complication  called  Plot,  is  notably  wanting, 
—  I  mean  in  the  factor  of  Privacy.  Where  all 
the  functions  of  living  are  carried  on  in  the 
presence  of  the  community,  or  at  the  best 
behind  the  thin-walled,  leafy  huts,  human 
relations  become  simplified  to  a  degree  diffi 
cult  for  our  complexer  habit  to  comprehend. 
The  only  really  great  passions  —  great,  I 
mean,  in  the  sense  of  being  dramatically 
possible — are  communal,  and  find  their  ex 
pression  in  the  dance  which  is  the  normal 
vehicle  of  emotional  stress. 


x      PREFACE    TO   FIRST  EDITION 

In  The  Arrow-Maker  the  author,  without 
dwelling  too  much  on  tribal  peculiarities, 
has  attempted  the  explication  of  this  primi 
tive  attitude  toward  a  human  type  common 
to  all  conditions  of  society.  The  particular 
mould  in  which  the  story  is  cast  takes  shape 
from  the  manner  of  aboriginal  life  in  the 
Southwest,  anywhere  between  the  Klamath 
River  and  the  Painted  Desert;  but  it  has 
been  written  in  vain  if  the  situation  has  not 
also  worked  itself  out  in  terms  of  your  own 
environment. 

The  Chisera  is  simply  the  Genius,  one  of 
those  singular  and  powerful  characters  whom 
we  are  still,  with  all  our  learning,  unable  to 
account  for  without  falling  back  on  the  prim 
itive  conception  of  gift  as  arising  from  direct 
communication  with  the  gods.  That  she 
becomes  a  Medicine  Woman  is  due  to  the 
circumstance  of  being  born  into  a  time 
which  fails  to  discriminate  very  clearly  as  to 
just  which  of  the  inexplicable  things  lie 
within  the  control  of  her  particular  gift. 
That  she  accepts  the  interpretation  of  her 
preeminence  which  common  opinion  pro 
vides  for  her,  does  not  alter  the  fact  that  she 
is  no  more  or  less  than  just  the  gifted  woman, 
too  much  occupied  with  the  use  of  her  gift 


PREFACE   TO  FIRST  EDITION    xi 

to  look  well  after  herself,  and  more  or  less  at 
the  mercy  of  the  tribe.  What  chiefly  influ 
ences  their  attitude  toward  her  is  worthy  of 
note,  being  no  less  than  the  universal,  un 
reasoned  conviction  that  great  gift  belongs, 
not  to  the  possessor  of  it,  but  to  society  at 
large.  The  whole  question  then  becomes  one 
of  how  the  tribe  shall  work  the  Chisera  to 
their  best  advantage. 

How  they  did  this,  with  what  damage 
and  success  is  to  be  read,  but  if  to  be  read 
profitably,  with  its  application  in  mind  to 
the  present  social  awakening  to  the  waste, 
the  enormous  and  stupid  waste,  of  the  gifts 
of  women.  To  one  fresh  from  the  considera 
tion  of  the  roots  of  life  as  they  lie  close  to  the 
surface  of  primitive  society,  this  obsession 
of  the  recent  centuries,  that  the  community 
can  only  be  served  by  a  gift  for  architecture, 
for  administration,  for  healing,  when  it  oc 
curs  in  the  person  of  a  male,  is  only  a  trifle 
less  ridiculous  than  that  other  social  stupid 
ity,  namely,  that  a  gift  of  mothering  must 
not  be  exercised  except  in  the  event  of  a  par 
ticular  man  being  able,  under  certain  restric 
tions,  to  afford  the  opportunity.  There  is 
perhaps  no  social  movement  going  on  at 
present  so  deep-rooted  and  dramatic  as  this 


xii     PREFACE   TO   FIRST  EDITION 

struggle  of  Femininity  to  recapture  its  right 
to  serve,  and  still  to  serve  with  whatever 
powers  and  possessions  it  finds  itself  en 
dowed.  But  a  dramatic  presentation  of  it  is 
hardly  possible  outside  of  primitive  condi 
tions  where  no  tradition  intervenes  to  pre 
vent  society  from  accepting  the  logic  of 
events. 

Whatever  more  there  may  be  in  The 
Arrow-Maker,  besides  its  Indian  color,  should 
lie  in  the  discovery  by  the  Chisera,  to  which 
the  author  subscribes,  that  it  is  also  in  con 
junction  with  her  normal  relation  for  loving 
and  bearing  that  the  possessor  of  gifts  finds 
the  greatest  increment  of  power.  To  such  of 
these  as  have  not  discovered  it  for  them 
selves,  The  Arrow-Maker  is  hopefully  recom 
mended. 


NOTE 
TO  THE  SECOND  EDITION 

The  Arrow-Maker  was  first  published  as 
produced  at  The  New  Theatre,  New  York, 
in  the  spring  of  1911.  In  that  edition  cer 
tain  concessions  were  made  to  what  was 
thought  to  be  the  demand  for  a  drama  of 
Indian  life  which  should  present  the  Indian 
more  nearly  as  he  is  popularly  conceived. 

After  four  years  the  sue! 
lished  play  as  an  authenti< 
ginal  life  as  well  as  a  dn 
production  in  schools  and 
warrant  its  publication  in 
As  it  now  stands,  the  book  n 
to  the  author's  original  conception  of  the 
drama,  but  to  the  conditions  of  the  life  it 
presents. 

With  the  addition  of  notes  and  glossary 
it  is  hoped  the  present  edition  will  meet 
every  demand  that  can  be  made  on  an  hon 
est  attempt  to  render  in  dramatic  form  a 
neglected  phase  of  American  life. 

M. 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA 

In  the  order  of  their  appearance 


CHOCO 

PAMAQUASH 

TAVWOTS 

YAVI 

SEEGOOCHE 

TIAWA 

WACOBA 

THE  CHISERA 

BRIGHT  WATER 

WHITE  FLOWER  ") 

TUIYO 

PlOKE 

SlMWA 

PADAHOON 
RAIN  WIND 
HAIWAI 


Fighting  men 

A  youth 

The  Chief's  wife 

A  very  old  woman 

Wife  to  Pamaquasb 

Medicine  Woman  of  the  Paiutes 

The  Chief's  daughter 

Friends  of  Bright  Water 

The  Arrow- Maker 

Rival  to  Simwafor  leadership 

Chief  of  the  Paiutes 

A  young  matron 


THE  ARROW-MAKER 
ACT  FIRST 


THE  ARROW-MAKER 

ACT  FIRST 

SCENE.  --  The  hut  of  the  CHISERA,  in  the  foot 
hills  of  the  Sierras.  It  stands  at  the  mouth 
of  a  steep,  dark  canon,  opening  toward  the 
valley  of  Sagharawite.  At  the  back  rise 
high  and  barren  cliffs  where  eagles  nest; 
at  the  foot  of  the  cliffs  runs  a  stream,  hid 
den  by  willow  and  buckthorn  and  toyon. 
The  wickiup  is  built  in  the  usual  Paiute 
fashion,  of  long  willows  set  about  a  circu 
lar  pit,  bent  over  to  form  a  dome,  thatched 
with  reeds  and  grass.  About  the  hut  lie 
baskets  and  blankets,  a  stone  metate,  other 
household  articles,  all  of  the  best  quality; 
in  front  is  a  clear  space  overflowing  with 
knee-deep  many-colored  bloom  of  the  Cali 
fornia  spring.  A  little  bank  that  runs  from 
the  wickiup  to  the  toyon  bushes  is  covered 
with  white  forget-me-nots.  The  hearth- 
fire  between  two  stones  is  quite  out,  but  the 
deerskin  that  screens  the  opening  of  the  hut 
is  caught  up  at  one  side,  a  sign  that  the 


4  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

owner  is  not  far  from  home,  or  expects  to 
return  soon. 

At  first  glance  the  scene  appears  devoid  of  life, 
but  suddenly  the  call  of  a  jay  bird  is  heard 
faintly  and  far  up  the  trail  that  leads  to 
the  right  among  the  rocks.  It  is  repeated 
nearer  at  hand,  perfectly  imitated  but  with 
a  nuance  that  advises  of  human  origin, 
and  two  or  three  half-naked  Indians  are 
seen  to  be  making  their  way  toward  the 
bottom  of  the  canon,  their  movements  so 
cunningly  harmonized  with  the  lines  of  the 
landscape  as  to  render  them  nearly  invisi 
ble.  CHOCO  and  PAMAQUASH  with  two 
others  come  together  at  the  end  of  the  bank 
farthest  from  the  CHISERA'S  hut. 

CHOCO 

Who  called? 

PAMAQUASH 
It  came  from  farther  up. 

CHOCO 
Yavi,  I  think. 

PAMAQUASH 
He  must  have  seen  something. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  5 

CHOCO 

By  the  Bear,  if  the  Castacs  have  crossed 
our  boundaries,  there  are  some  of  them  shall 
not  recross  it  I 

PAMAQUASH 
Hush  —  the  Chisera  —  she  will  hear  you! 

CHOCO 

She  is  not  in  the  hut.  She  went  out  toward 
the  hills  early  this  morning,  and  has  not  yet 
returned.  Besides,  if  the  Castacs  have 
crossed,  we  cannot  keep  it  from  the  women 
much  longer. 

PAMAQUASH 

(Who  has  moved  up  to  a  better  post  of  obser 
vation.}  There  is  some  one  on  the  trail. 

(The  jay's  call  is  heard  and  answered 
softly  by  PAMAQUASH.) 

CHOCO 

Yavi.  But  Tavwots  is  not  with  him. 
(YAVI  comes  dropping  from  the  cliffs.)  What 
have  you  seen? 

YAVI 

Smoke  rising  —  by  Deer  Leap.  Two  long 
puffs  and  a  short  one. 

(The  news  is  received  with  sharp,  excited 
murmurs.) 


6  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PAMAQUASH 

More  than  a  score  —  and  with  all  our 
youths  we  cannot  count  so  many. 

CHOCO 

And  this  business  of  war  leader  still  unset 
tled  —  The  Council  must  sit  at  once.  Go, 
one  of  you,  and  tell  Chief  Rain  Wind  that 
Tavwots  has  signaled  from  Deer  Leap  that 
more  than  a  score  of  Castacs  are  out  against 
us. 

PAMAQUASH 

And  tell  the  women  to  prepare  a  gift  has 
tily  for  the  Chisera.  Who  knows  how  soon 
we  shall  have  need  of  her  medicine. 

(One    of   the    Indians    departs    on    this 
errand.) 

CHOCO 

Never  so  much  need  of  it  as  when  we  have 
neglected  our  own  part  of  the  affair!  Even 
before  the  Castacs  began  to  fill  up  our  springs 
and  drive  our  deer,  we  knew  that  the  Chief 
is  too  old  for  war;  and  now  that  the  enemy 
has  crossed  our  borders  we  are  still  leaderless. 

PAMAQUASH 
So  we  should  not  be  if  we  had  followed  the 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  7 

tribal  use  and  given  the  leadership  to  years 
and  experience.  It  is  you  young  men  who 
have  unsettled  judgment,  with  the  to-do  you 
have  made  about  the  Arrow-Maker. 

CHOCO 

I  have  nothing  against  years  and  experi 
ence,  but  when  one  has  the  gods  as  plainly 
on  his  side  as  Simwa  — 

YAVI 

Never  have  I  seen  a  man  so  increase  in 
power  and  fortune  — 

PAMAQUASH 

Huh  —  huh !  I  too  have  watched  the 
growth  of  this  Simwa.  Also  I  have  seen  a 
gourd  swelling  with  the  rains,  and  I  have  not 
laid  it  to  the  gods  in  either  case.  But  the 
Council  must  sit  upon  it.  We  must  bring  it 
to  the  Council. 

YAVI 

(Hotly.)  Why  should  you  credit  the  gods 
with  Simwa's  good  fortune  since  he  himself 
does  not  so  claim  it?  For  my  part,  I  think 
with  the  Arrow-Maker,  that  it  is  better  for  a 
man  to  thrive  by  his  own  wits,  rather  than 


8  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

by  the  making  of  medicine  or  the  wisdom  of 
the  elders. 

PAMAQUASH 

(From  above.}   Tst — st,  Tavwots! 

(TAVWOTS  comes  down  the  canon  panting 
with  speed.  He  drops  exhausted  on  the 
bank,  and  YAVI  gives  him  water  between 
his  palms  from  the  creek.) 

CHOCO 
Have  they  crossed? 

TAVWOTS 

Between  Deer  Leap  and  Standing  Rock  - 
more  than  a  score,  though  I  think  some  of 
them  were  boys  —  but  they  had  no  women. 

CHOCO 

They  mean  fighting,  then! 

YAVI 
Well,  they  can  have  it. 

TAVWOTS 

But  they  should  not  be  let  fatten  on  our 
deer  before  they  come  to  it.  Winnemucca, 
whom  I  left  at  Deer  Leap,  will  bring  us  word 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  9 

where  they  camp  to-night.  In  the  mean  time 
there  is  much  to  do.  (Rising.) 

CHOCO 

Much.  No  doubt  Simwa  will  have  some 
thing  to  suggest. 

TAVWOTS 

The  Arrow-Maker  is  not  yet  war  leader, 
my  friend.  I  go  to  the  Chief  and  the  Council. 

(He  goes.) 

CHOCO 

And  yet,  I  think  the  Chief  favors  Simwa, 
else  why  should  he  prefer  to  put  the  election 
to  lot  rather  than  keep  to  the  custom  of  the 
fathers  ? 

YAVI 

(Going.)  There  might  be  reasons  to  that, 
not  touching  the  merits  of  the  Arrow-Maker. 

PAMAQUASH 
Tavwots  has  met  the  women  I 

(Sounds  of  the  grief  of  the  women  in  the 
direction  of  the  camp.} 

CHOCO 
They   are   coming  to  the  Chisera.     We 


io  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

should  not  have  let  them  find  us  here;  they 
will  neglect  their  business  with  her  to  beset 
us  with  questions. 

(To  them  enter  three  women  of  the  cam- 
pody  of  Sagharawite,  carrying  perfect- 
patterned,  bowl-shaped  baskets,  with 
gifts  of  food  for  the  CHISERA.  SEE 
GOOCHE,  the  Chiefs  wife,  is  old  and 
full  of  dignity.  TIAWA  is  old  and  sharp, 
but  WACO B A  is  a  comfortable,  comely 
matron,  who  wears  a  blanket  modestly 
yet  to  conceal  charms  not  past  their 
prime.  SEEGOOCHE  and  TIAWA  wear 
basket  caps,  but  WACOBA  has  a  bandeau 
of  bright  beads  about  her  hair.  They 
show  signs  of  agitation,  instantly  sub 
dued  at  sight  of  the  men.) 

SEEGOOCHE 

Is  this  true  what  Tavwots  has  told  us,  that 
the  Castacs  are  upon  us? 

CHOCO 

No  nearer  than  Pahrump.  Not  so  near  by 
the  time  we  have  done  with  them.  What 
gifts  have  you? 

TIAWA 
The  best  the  camp  affords.  Think  you  we 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  n 

would  stint  when  the  smoke  of  the  Castacs 
goes  up  within  our  borders? 

WACOBA 

Where  is  she? 

CHOCO 

Abroad  in  the  hills  gathering  roots  and 
herbs  for  to-night's  medicine.   Wait  for  her. 
—  We  must  go  look  to  our  fighting  gear. 
(He  goes  out  in  the  direction  of  the  cam- 
pody.) 

PAMAQUASH 

(To  WACOBA.)  My  bow  case,  is  it  finished? 

i 

WACOBA 

And  the  bow  inside  it.  See  that  you  come 
not  back  to  me  nor  to  your  young  son  until 
the  bowstring  is  frayed  asunder. 

PAMAQUASH 

If  you  do  your  work  with  the  Chisera  as 
well  as  we  with  Castac,  you  shall  not  need  to 
question  our  bowstrings.  (Going.) 

SEEGOOCHE 
Leave  us  to  deal  —  though  if  she  cannot 


12  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

help  us  in  this  matter,  I  do  not  know  where 
we  shall  turn. 

TIAWA 

Never  have  I  asked  help  of  her,  and  been 
disappointed. 

WACOBA 

(Gathering  flowers.)  Aye,  but  that  was 
mere  women's  matters,  weevil  in  the  pine 
nuts,  a  love-charm  or  a  colicky  child.  This  is 
war! 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Still  peering  about.)  As  if  that  were  not  a 
woman's  affair  also! 

TIAWA 

You  may  well  say  that!  It  was  in  our  last 
quarrel  with  Castac  I  lost  the  only  man-child 
I  ever  had,  dead  before  he  was  born.  When 
the  women  showed  me  his  face,  it  was  all 
puckered  with  the  bitterness  of  that  defeat. 
You  may  well  say  a  woman's  matter! 

SEEGOOCHE 

That  was  the  year  my  husband  was  first 
made  Chief,  and  we  covered  defeat  with  vic 
tory,  as  we  shall  again.  It  was  Tinnemaha, 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  13 

the  father  of  the  Chisera,  went  before  the 
gods  for  us,  I  remember. 

TIAWA 

Well  for  us  that  he  taught  her  his  strong 
medicine.  Not  a  fighting  man  from  Tecuya 
to  Tehachappi  but  trusts  in  her. 

(Goes  to  the  creek  and  dips  up  water  to 
drink  in  her  basket  cap.) 

WACOBA 

(Tentatively.)  It  is  believed  by  some  that 
she  makes  medicine  for  Simwa,  the  Arrow- 
Maker,  and  that  is  why  his  arrows  are  so 
well  feathered  and  fly  so  swiftly  to  the  mark. 

SEEGOOCHE 

Simwa!  Why,  he  scoffs  at  charms  and 
speaks  lightly  even  of  the  gods. 

TIAWA 

(Giving  the  others  to  drink  from  her  cap.) 
Aye;  Simwa  puts  not  faith  in  anybody  but 
Simwa. 

SEEGOOCHE 

And  with  good  reason,  for  he  is  the  most 
skillful  of  the  tribesmen.  He  has  made  all 


I4  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

the  arrows  for  the  fighting  men.    Do  you 
think  they  will  make  him  war  leader? 

WACO  B  A 

(Ornamenting  the  basket  she  has  brought 
with  a  wreath  of  flowers,  which  she  plucks.) 
Padahoon  will  never  agree  to  it. 

TIAWA 
But  if  Simwa  is  the  better  man? 

WACO  B  A 

The  Sparrow  Hawk  is  older,  and  has  the 
greater  experience. 

SEEGOOCHE 

Prutt !  If  age  and  experience  were  all,  my 
husband  would  not  ask  that  a  new  leader  be 
chosen.  Young  men  are  keenest-eyed  and 
quickest  afoot. 

(She  moves  up  the  trail  looking  for  signs 
of  the  CHI  SERA.) 

TIAWA 

(Going  over  to  WACOBA,  aside  from  SEE 
GOOCHE.)  So  the  Chief  favors  Simwa?  I 
would  not  have  thought  it. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  15 

WACOBA 

(Significantly.)  Seegooche's  daughter  is 
not  married,  and  the  Arrow-Maker  has  many 
blankets. 

TlAWA 

Ugh,  huh!  So  the  scent  lies  up  that  trail? 
Well,  why  not? 

WACOBA 

Why  not?  The  Chiefs  daughter  and  the 
war  leader?  A  good  match. 

TIAWA 

(Going  across  to  the  hut.)  Aye,  a  good 
match!  .  .  .  Do  you  know,  I  have  never  been 
in  the  Chisera's  house.  It  is  said  she  has  a 
great  store  of  baskets  and  many  beads.  Let 
us  look. 

SEEGOOCHE 
No,  no;  do  not  go  near  it. 

WACOBA 

(Alarmed.)  Kima!  Tiawa,  she  may  be 
watching  you. 

TIAWA 
(By  the  hut,  but  not  daring  to  enter  it.)  What 


16  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

harm  to  visit  a  neighbor's  house  when  the 
door  is  open.  Besides,  she  makes  no  bad 
medicine. 

SEEGOOCHE 

We  know  that  she  does  not,  but  not  that 
she  could  not  if  she  would. 

TIAWA 

(Returning  reluctantly^)  Why  should  we 
hold  the  Chisera  so  apart  from  the  campody? 
Why  should  she  not  have  a  husband  and 
children  as  other  women?  How  can  she  go 
before  the  gods  for  us  until  she  knows  what 
we  are  thinking  in  our  hearts? 

WACOBA 

(Jumping  up.)  I  have  seen  something 
stirring  in  the  alder  bushes.  I  think  the 
Chisera  comes! 

SEEGOOCHE 

Do  not  be  seen  too  near  the  hut.  Come 
away,  Tiawa. 

TIAWA 

Have  you  the  presents  ready  ?  ( The  women 
take  up  their  baskets  hastily.)  Hide  your  bas 
ket,  Seegooche.  It  is  not  well  to  let  all  your 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  17 

gifts  appear  on  the  first  showing,  for  if  she  is 
not  persuaded  at  first,  we  shall  have  some 
thing  of  more  worth. 

( The  Cms  ERA  comes  out  of  the  trail  by  the 
almond  bushes,  young  and  tall  and 
comely,  but  of  dignified,  almost  forbid 
ding,  carriage.  She  is  dressed  chiefly  in 
skins;  her  hair  is  very  long,  braided  with 
beads.  She  carries  a  small  burden  bas 
ket  on  her  back,  supported  by  a  band 
about  her  forehead.  She  removes  this, 
and  drops  it  at  the  hut,  coming  for- 
ward.) 

THE  CHISERA 

Friends,  what  have  we  to  do  with  one  an 
other?  Seegooche,  has  your  meal  fermented? 
Or  has  your  baby  the  colic  again,  Wacoba? 

SEEGOOCHE 
We  have  a  gift  for  you,  Chisera. 

(The  women  draw  near  timidly,  each,  as 
she  speaks,  placing  her  basket  at  the 
CHISERA'S  feet,  and  retire.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Looking  at  the  gifts,  without  touching  them.) 
The  venison  is  fat  and  tender;  Seegooche, 


1 8  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

there  is  no  one  grinds  meal  so  smoothly  as 
you.   The  honey  is  indeed  acceptable. 

(After  a  pause,  during  which  the  medicine 
woman  looks  keenly  at  them.) 

TlAWA 

We  do  not  come  for  ourselves,  Chisera, 
but  from  the  tribeswomen. 

SEEGOOCHE 

From  every  one  who  has  a  husband  or  son 
able  to  join  battle. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Eagerly.)  Is  there  battle? 

SEEGOOCHE 

Even  as  we  came,  there  was  word  that  the 
Castacs  are  camped  at  Pahrump,  and  before 
night  our  men  must  meet  them. 

THE  CHISERA 
And  you  ask  me  — ? 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Approaching  appealingly  and  sinking  to 
the  ground  in  the  stress  of  anxiety.)  A  charm, 
Chisera! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  19 

TlAWA 

(Approaching  with  WACOBA.)  A  most 
potent  medicine,  O  friend  of  the  gods! 

WACOBA 

That  our  men  may  have  strength  and  dis 
cretion.  That  their  hearts  may  not  turn  to 
water  and  their  knees  quake  under  them  — 

TIAWA 

(Urgently.)  May  the  bows  of  Castac  be 
broken,  and  their  arrows  turned  aside  — 

SEEGOOCHE 

For  the  lords  of  our  bodies  and  the  sons  of 
our  bodies,  a  blessing,  Chisera! 

WACOBA 

That  our  hearths  may  be  kept  alight  and 
our  children  know  their  fathers  — • 

TIAWA 

When  the  noise  of  battle  is  joined  and  the 
buzzards  come,  may  they  feed  on  our  foes, 
Chisera  — 

SEEGOOCHE 
O  friend  of  the  gods,  befriend  us ! 

(The  women  cast  dust  on  their  hair  and 


20  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

rock  to  and  fro  while  the  CHISERA 
speaks,  lifting  up  their  arms  in  an 
agony  of  entreating.) 

THE  CHISERA 

Am  I  not  also  a  tribeswoman  ?  Would  not 
I  do  so  much  for  my  people?  But  your 
gifts  and  your  prayers  will  be  acceptable  to 
the  gods,  for  of  myself  I  can  do  nothing.  (She 
stoops  to  the  gifts,  but  hesitates.)  Who  is  this 
that  comes  ? 

(The  young  girls  steal  up  noiselessly 
through  the  bushes,  led  by  the  Chiefs 
daughter.  BRIGHT  WATER  is  lovely  and 
young;  her  hair,  flowing  loosely  over  her 
shoulders  and  breast,  is  mingled  with 
strings  of  beads  and  bright  berries.  Her 
dress  of  fringed  buckskin  is  heavily 
beaded,  her  arms  are  weighted  with  arm 
lets  of  silver  and  carved  beads  of  tur 
quoise;  about  her  neck  hangs  a  disk  of 
glittering  shell.  She  walks  proudly,  a 
little  in  advance  of  the  others,  who  bunch 
up  timidly  like  quail  on  the  trail,  behind 
her.  The  women,  catching  sight  of  the 
girls,  spring  up,  frightened,  and  stand 
half  protectingly  between  them  and  the 
CHISERA.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  21 

TlAWA 

It  is  the  Chief's  daughter. 

SEEGOOCHE 

What  do  you  here?  You  have  neither  sons 
nor  husbands  that  you  should  ask  spells  and 
charms. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

How,  then,  shall  we  have  husbands  or 
sons,  if  the  battle  goes  against  us  ? 

THE  CHISERA 
Well  answered,  Chiefs  daughter. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
(Surprised.)   You  know  me? 

THE  CHISERA 

I  have  heard  that  the  loveliest  maiden  of 
Sagharawite  is  called  Bright  Water,  daughter 
of  Rain  Wind,  Chief  of  the  Paiutes. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Going  over  to  BRIGHT  WATER.)  You 
should  have  stayed  in  the  wickiup,  my  daugh 
ter;  you  are  too  young  to  go  seeking  magic 
medicine. 


22  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

BRIGHT  WATER 

The  more  need  because  we  are  young, 
mother.  If  the  loss  of  battle  come  to  you,  at 
least  you  have  had  the  love  of  a  man  and 
the  lips  of  children  at  the  breast.  But  we,  if 
the  battle  goes  against  us,  what  have  we? 

THE  CHISERA 

Ay,  truly,  Seegooche,  there  are  no  joys  so 
hard  to  do  without  as  those  we  have  not 
had. 


BRIGHT  WATER 

Therefore,  we  ask  a  charm,  Chisera,  for 
our  sweethearts;  and,  in  the  mean  time,  may 
this  remind  you  — 

(She  drops  a  bracelet  in  ike  CHI  SERA'S 
basket.) 

WHITE  FLOWER 

(Going  forward.)  The  scarlet  beads  from 
me,  Chisera.  I  am  to  be  married  in  the  time 
of  tasseling  corn. 

TUIYO 

The  shells  from  me,  Chisera.  Good  medi 
cine! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  23 

PlOKE 

Strong  Bow  is  my  lover,  Chisera.  Bring 
him  safe  home  again. 

( The  girls  retire  after  dropping  their  gifts 
in  the  CHISERA'S  basket.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(A  little  stiffly.)  You  have  no  need  of  gifts. 
Am  I  not  young,  even  as  you  ?  Should  you 
pray  for  your  lover  any  more  or  less  for  the 
sake  of  a  few  beads? 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Anxiously.)  Be  not  angry,  Chisera.  They 
would  repay  you  for  the  dancing  and  the 
singing. 

(The  CHISERA  gathers  up  the  gifts  that  the 
older  women  have  brought  and  goes  into 
the  hut.  The  girls  take  up  their  gifts,  puz 
zled.) 

SEEGOOCHE 

I  am  afraid  you  have  vexed  her  with  your 
foolish  quest. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Has  the  Chisera  a  lover  also,  that  she  speak 
so? 


24  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SEEGOOCHE 

It  is  not  possible  and  we  not  know  of  it, 
for  since  her  father's  death  if  any  sought  her 
hand  in  marriage,  he  must  come  to  my  hus 
band  in  the  matter  of  dowry. 

WACOBA 

No  fear  that  any  will  come  while  she  is 
still  the  Chisera. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
She  is  the  wisest  of  us  all. 

TIAWA 

Wisdom  is  good  as  a  guest,  but  it  wears 
out  its  welcome  when  it  sits  by  the  hearth 
stone. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
She  has  great  power  with  the  gods. 

WACOBA 

So  much  so  that  if  she  had  a  husband,  he 
dare  not  beat  her  lest  she  run  and  tattle  to 
them. 

SEEGOOCHE 

She  is  our  Chisera,  and  there  is  not  another 
like  her  between  Tehachappi  and  Tecuya. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  25 

If  she  were  wearied  with  stooping  and  sweat 
ing,  if  she  were  anxious  with  bearing  and 
rearing,  how  could  she  go  before  the  gods 
for  us? 

TlAWA 

Aye,  that  is  the  talk  in  the  wickiups,  that 
we  must  hold  her  apart  from  us  to  give  her 
room  for  her  great  offices,  but  I  have  always 
said  —  but  I  am  old  and  nobody  minds  me 
• —  I  have  always  said  that  if  she  had  loved 
as  we  love  and  had  borne  as  we  have  borne, 
she  would  be  the  more  fitted  to  entreat  the 
gods  that  we  may  not  lose. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(As  the  CHISERA  comes  out  of  the  hut.)  If 
you  are  angry,  Chisera,  turn  it  against  our 
enemies  of  Castac. 

THE  CHISERA 
You  know  that  I  cannot  curse. 

TIAWA 

Is  it  true,  Chisera,  that  you  make  no  bad 
medicine? 

THE  CHISERA 

Many  kinds  of  sickness  I  can  cure,  and 
give  easy  childbirth.  I  can  bring  rain,  and 


26  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

give  fortune  in  the  hunt,  but  of  the  making 
of  evil  spells  I  know  nothing. 

SEEGOOCHE 

But  your  father,  the  medicine  man  —  he 
was  the  dread  and  wonder  of  the  tribes. 

THE  CHISERA 

Aye,  my  father  could  kill  by  a  spell,  and 
make  a  wasting  sickness  with  a  frown,  but 
he  thought  such  powers  not  proper  to  women : 
therefore  he  taught  me  none. 

WACOBA 

But  you  will  bring  a  blessing  on  the  battle? 
Oh,  Chisera,  they  do  not  tell  us  women,  but 
we  hear  it  whispered  about  the  camp  that 
the  men  of  Castac  are  five  and  twenty,  and 
even  with  the  youths  who  go  to  their  first 
battle  we  cannot  make  a  score  of  ours.  It  is 
the  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man  must  make 
good  our  numbers. 

THE  CHISERA 
Even  now  I  go  to  prepare  strong  medicine. 

WACOBA 

Come  away,  then,  and  leave  the  Chisera 
to  her  work.  (Going.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  27 

SEEGOOCHE 

May  the  gods  befriend  you.  If  we  have 
your  blessing,  we  care  little  for  another's 
curse.  (Going.) 

THE  CHI  SERA 

Stay.  After  all,  we  are  but  women  to 
gether,  and  if  a  woman  may  give  counsel, 
women  may  hear  it. 

TIAWA 
Would  we  might  hear  yours  to-day! 

THE  CHISERA 

When  the  smoke  of  the  medicine  fire 
arises,  so  as  to  be  seen  from  the  spring,  do 
you  come  up  along  the  creek  as  far  as  the 
black  rock. 

WOMEN 

Yes,  yes! 

THE  CHISERA 

When  you  hear  the  medicine  rattles,  stand 
off  by  the  toyon. 

WOMEN 
By  the  toyon  —  yes ! 


28  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

But  when  the  rattles  are  stopped,  and  the 
singing  falls  off,  come  up  very  softly,  not  to 
disturb  the  Council,  and  hear  what  the  gods 
have  said.  If  the  men  speak  against  it,  I 
will  stand  for  you. 

SEEGOOCHE 

Our  thanks  to  you,  Chisera,  for  this  kind 
ness. 

TIAWA 

And  though  you  are  a  Chisera,  and  have 
strange  intercourse  with  the  gods,  I  know 
you  a  woman,  by  this  token. 

THE  CHISERA 
Doubt  it  not,  but  go. 

SEEGOOCHE 
Come  away,  girls. 

(They  go  out,  the  girls  with  them.  But 
BRIGHT  WATER  linger r,  and  comes 
back  to  the  CHISERA.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Chisera  — 

THE  CHISERA 
Chiefs  daughter? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  29 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Call  me  by  my  name. 

THE  CHISERA 

Bright  Water,  what  would  you  have  of 
me? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Can  you  —  will  you  make  a  charm  for  one 
going  out  to  battle  whose  name  is  not 
spoken? 

THE  CHISERA 

How  shall  the  gods  find  him  out,  if  he  is 
not  to  be  named? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Earnestly.)  Oh,  he  is  handsome  and  strong 
in  the  shoulders;  the  muscles  of  his  back  are 
laced  like  thongs.  He  is  the  bravest  — 

THE  CHISERA 

(Laughing.)  Chiefs  daughter,  whenever  I 
have  made  love  charms,  they  have  been  for 
men  handsome  and  strong  in  the  back. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Abashed.)  I  know  not  how  to  describe 
him. 


30  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

(Still  smiling.)  And  his  name  is  not  to  be 
spoken?  (BRIGHT  WATER  continues  to  look 
down  at  her  moccasin.  )  If  I  had  something  of 
his:  something  he  had  shaped  with  his  hands 
or  worn  upon  his  person,  that  I  could  make 
medicine  upon  — 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Like  this? 

( Takes  amulet  from  her  neck  and  holds  it 
out.} 

THE  CHISERA 
(Taking  it.}   Did  he  give  you  this? 

BRIGHT  WATER 
He  made  it. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Examining  it.)    It  is  skillfully  fashioned. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Will  it  answer? 

THE  CHISERA 

To  make  a  spell  upon?  Yes,  if  you  can 
spare  it. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  31 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Shall  I  have  it  again? 

THE  CHISERA 

When  the  time  is  past  for  which  the  spell  is 
made. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Make  it,  then;  a  powerful  medicine  against 
ill  fortune  in  battle.  And  this  for  your  pains, 
Chisera.  (Holds  out  bracelet.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Proudly.)  I  want  no  gifts.  Keep  your 
bracelet. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(With  equal  pride.)  The  Chief's  daughter 
asks  no  favors. 

THE  CHISERA 

But  if  a  Chisera  choose  to  confer  them? 
(With  sudden  feeling.)  What  question  is 
there  between  us  of  Chief's  daughter  and 
Chisera?  We  are  two  women,  and  young. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Uncertainly.)  The  Chisera  is  the  friend  of 
the  gods. 


32  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

And  therefore  not  the  friend  of  any  tribes- 
woman?  (Passionately.)  Oh,  I  am  weary  of 
the  friendship  of  the  gods!  If  I  have  walked 
in  the  midnight  and  heard  what  the  great 
ones  have  said,  is  that  any  reason  I  should 
not  know  what  a  man  says  to  a  maid  in  the 
dusk  —  or  do  a  kindness  to  my  own  kind  — 
or  love,  and  be  beloved? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Moved.)      Therefore     take     it     (offering 
bracelet  again)  as  one  woman  from  another  — 
and  you  shall  make  a  charm  for  me  for  love. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Taking  the  gift.)  I  shall  make  it  as  though 
I  loved  him  myself. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
(Startled.)  Oh,  I  did  not  say  I  loved  him. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Smiling.)  No? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Studying  the  pattern  of  her  moccasin.)  Is 
it  true,  Chisera,  that  you  have  been  called 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  33 

to  the  Council  that  decides  upon  the  war 
leader  who  is  to  be  chosen  in  my  father's 
place  ? 

THE  CHISERA 
I  am  to  inquire  of  the  gods  concerning  it. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Diffidently^)  Chisera,  I  have  heard  —  my 
father  thinks  —  Simwa,  the  Arrow-Maker,  is 
well  spoken  of. 

(The  first  note  of  the  love  call  is  heard  far 
up  the  cliffs.  The  CHISERA  starts  and 
controls  herself.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Coldly,  in  dismissal.)  Simwa  needs  the 
good  word  of  no  man.  It  shall  be  as  the  gods 
determine. 

(Goes  over  to  hut.  The  love  call  sounds 
nearer.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(After  a  moment's  hesitation.)  Farewell, 
Chisera.  (She  goes.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Looking  up  the  trail.)  Ah,  Simwa,  Simwa, 
what  bond  there  is  between  us,  when,  if  I 


34  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

but  pronounce  thy  name  in  my  heart,  thy 

voice  answers. 

( The  love  call  is  repeated  far  up  the  cliffs 
above  her  hut,  and  she  answers  it,  sing 
ing:) 

Over-long  are  thy  feet  on  the  trails, 

OMuch  Desired!! 

Dost  thou  not  hear  afar  what  my  blood  whispers, 
Betraying  my  heart  as  the  whir 
Of  the  night-moth's  wings  betray  the  lilies? 

(As  she  sings,  SIMWA,  in  full  war  dress, 
comes  dropping  down,  hand  over  hand, 
from  the  rocks,  until  he  stands  beside 
her.) 

SIMWA 
Did  you  not  hear  me  when  first  I  called? 

THE  CHISERA 

I  heard  you,  Most  Desired.  When  do  I 
not?  Even  when  I  sleep,  my  heart  wakes  to 
hear  you.  The  women  have  been  with  me. 

SIMWA 
You  know,  then? 

THE  CHISERA 

That  this  very  night  a  war  party  of  ours 
must  go  out  to  meet  the  Castacs. 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  35 

SlMWA 

And  before  that  there  will  be  a  Council  to 
choose  a  war  leader?  Has  the  Chief  told  you  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

Not  since  this  latest  word,  but  yesterday 
he  bid  me  prepare  a  strong  medicine,  for  he 
thought  the  election  would  be  made  by  lot. 
But  I  did  not  tell  him,  O  Much  Desired,  that 
I  had  already  made  medicine  a  night  and  a 
day  to  let  the  choice  fall  on  you.  A  day  and 
a  night  by  Deer  Leap  on  Toorape,  where 
never  foot  but  mine  had  been,  I  made  medi 
cine,  and  the  answer  is  sure. 

SIMWA 
That  I  shall  get  the  leadership? 

THE  CHISERA 

When  have  the  gods  denied  me  anything 
that  I  asked  for  your  sake,  Arrow-Maker  of 
Sagharawite  ? 

SIMWA 

The  Padahoon  hunts  on  a  cold  trail,  and 
there  is  nothing  for  me  to  do? 

(He  sits  on  the  bank  and  the  CHISERA  sits 
below  him.) 


36  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

Beloved,  there  is  much  to  do,  for  before 
the  shadow  which  lies  between  my  feet  has 
grown  tall  again,  I  must  make  medicine  for 
the  sake  of  this  war;  and  I  have  spent  so 
much  on  you,  the  power  goes  from  me.  Now, 
you  must  put  your  hand  upon  my  heart,  and 
nurse  it  warm,  so  that  the  people  lack  nothing 
of  their  Chisera. 

SIMWA 
Is  that  good,  Chisera? 

(Puts  his  arm  about  her.) 

THE  CHISERA 
Very  good,  Friend  of  my  heart. 

(She  leans  upon  his  arm.) 

SIMWA 

(Quickened  by  the  caress.)  Chisera,  what 
did  you  do  before  I  came? 

THE  CHISERA 

Oh,  then  I  lived  in  the  dream  of  you. 
When  I  ran  in  the  trails,  my  heart  expected 
you  at  every  turn,  and  in  the  dark  of  the  hut 
the  sense  of  you  brooded  on  my  sleep.  But 
I  thought  it  was  all  for  the  gods. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  37 

SlMWA 

(Fatuously.)   Until  I  came. 

THE  CHISERA 

Did  I  tell  you,  Simwa,  that  day  when  first 
you  found  me  dancing  in  the  sun  —  you  had 
been  gathering  eagle's  feathers  for  your 
arrows,  do  you  remember?  —  I  thought  that 
day  that  you  were  of  the  gods  yourself,  for  I 
was  sick  with  longing,  and  the  spring  was  in 
my  blood. 

SIMWA 

And  when  I  came  again,  what  did  you 
think? 

THE  CHISERA 

That  you  were  the  man  most  deserving 
their  favor,  and  that  all  the  medicine  I  had 
learned  until  then  was  merely  that  I  might 
persuade  them  for  your  sake. 

SIMWA 

(Sitting  up.)  Chisera,  when  you  go  up  to 
the  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man,  you  cannot 
be  always  asking  for  the  tribespeople.  Do 
you  not  sometimes  ask  for  yourself? 

THE  CHISERA 

What  should  I  ask  for  when  I  have  your 
love  ? 


38  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SlMWA 

For  friends,  perhaps,  who  are  to  be  re 
warded,  or  those  who  have  done  you  inju 
ries?  (Watching  her.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Laughing.)  Once,  Simwa,  before  I  was 
sure  of  you,  I  made  a  singing  medicine  to 
draw  you  from  the  camp.  And  you  came, 
Arrow-Maker  of  Sagharawite,  you  came. 
(Laying  her  hands  on  his  bosom.)  Did  you 
not  feel  me  draw  you? 

SIMWA 

Often  and  often,  as  it  were  a  tie-rope  in 
my  bosom  between  us.  (Letting  go  her  hands 
and  stretching  himself  preparatory  to  rising.) 
But  I  did  not  think  it  was  your  medicine. 

THE  CHISERA 
What  then? 

SIMWA 

(Rising  and  walking  about.)  Your  beauty 
and  the  wonder  of  your  dancing. 


THE  CHISERA 


1HE    L.HISERA 

Tell  me,  Simwa,  in  the  beginning  I  know 
you  did  not  believe;  but  now  you  understand 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  39 

the  power  I  have  from  the  Friend  of  the  Soul 
of  Man  ? 

SIMWA 

Surely;  now  that  I  am  about  to  be  made 
war  leader  by  means  of  it. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Rising  and  going  back  to  the  feathering  of 
the  prayer-stick.)  But  I  have  heard  the 
women  gossiping  at  the  spring  — 

SIMWA 
What  did  they  say? 

THE  CHISERA 

That  Simwa  does  not  believe  in  charms 
and  scoffs  at  the  gods. 

SIMWA 

That  was  true  (recovering)  —  once.  But 
now  that  I  am  become  the  most  notable 
arrow-maker  in  Sagharawite  — 

THE  CHISERA 

Now  —  now  you  do  not  scoff  at  the  Chi- 
sera? 

SIMWA 
(Embarrassed.)    But  it  is  not  always  well 


40  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

for  a  man  to  say  what  he  thinks.  If  I  were 
to  tell  in  the  carnpody  whence  my  good  for 
tune  is,  would  not  Padahoon  do  me  some 
mischief  for  it? 

THE  CHISERA 

But,  Simwa,  am  I  never  to  come  to  you  as 
other  women  to  the  wickiups  of  their  hus 
bands  ? 

SIMWA 

What  need,  Chisera,  when  I  come  so  often 
to  yours  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

The  need  of  women  to  serve  openly  where 
they  love. 

SIMWA 

But  what  service  could  you  do  me  when 
you  had  lost  the  respect  of  the  tribesmen? 
You  know  the  tribal  custom.  It  is  not  for  the 
friend  of  the  gods  to  dig  roots  and  dress 
venison. 

( Throws  himself  on  the  bank  beside  her.) 

THE  CHISERA 

I  have  not  found  the  gods  any  the  less 
friendly  since  I  have  loved,  Arrow-Maker; 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  41 

and  I  know  not  why  it  should  seem  strange 
to  others  that  I  should  know  love  as  —  as  we 
have  known  it.  Only  to-day  the  girls  of  the 
village  came  to  me  to  buy  a  charm  to  keep 
their  lovers  safe  in  war.  There  was  not  one 
but  dared  to  ask,  even  though  she  would  not 
speak  her  lover's  name  for  bashfulness.  See, 
one  of  them  gave  me  this  to  make  medicine 
upon. 

SIMWA 
(Taking  it.)   Bright  Water  gave  you  this? 

THE  CHISERA 
(Surprised.)   How  did  you  know? 

SIMWA 

I  thought  you  said  —  that  is,  I  have  seen 
her  wear  it.  Did  she  tell  you  from  whom  she 
had  it? 

THE  CHISERA 

Not  by  his  name,  but  by  the  way  he  looked 
to  her. 

SIMWA 
How  was  that? 

THE  CHISERA 
As  every  lover  looks  to  every  maid  —  tall 


42  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

and  strong  and  straight  of  back.    Even  as 
you  look  to  me,  Beloved. 

SIMWA 

(Relieved,  giving  back  the  amulet.)  May 
your  medicine  preserve  him.  And,  as  for  me, 
Chisera,  I  wish  I  could  persuade  the  tribes 
men  to  look  as  favorably  on  me  as  you  do. 

THE  CHISERA 
But  you  have  no  enemies. 

SIMWA 

The  Sparrow  Hawk,  without  doubt. 
Could  you  give  me  a  curse  for  him? 

THE  CHISERA 

(Rising.)  Ah,  you  should  not  have  asked 
me  that.  Never  since  my  father  died  have  I 
thought  to  regret  that  he  did  not  teach  me 
the  making  of  evil  medicine.  Would  I  had 
all  the  curses  in  the  world!  (Turning  pite- 
ously  to  him.)  But  you  do  not  love  me  any 
the  less  because  I  have  not  one  little,  little 
curse  to  give  you  ? 

SIMWA 
No,  it  is  nothing.  No  curse  can  reach  me 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  43 

past  your  blessing.  But  I  would  not  have 
thought  the  old  man  would  leave  you  wholly 
unprotected.  Why,  even  I  could  wrong  you, 
and,  without  a  curse  (trying  to  speak  lightly) 
you  could  not  punish  me  for  it. 

THE  CHISERA 

If  no  one  does  me  no  more  wrong  than  you, 
Simwa,  I  need  no  cursing.  But,  in  truth,  my 
father  did  give  me  -  Ah,  now  I  have 
thought  of  another  gift  for  you,  Arrow- 
Maker  of  Sagharawite!  Before  he  died,  the 
medicine  man,  my  father  —  did  I  not  tell 
you?  (she  rummages  eagerly  in  her  medicine 
bag)  —  gave  me  this  magic  arrow  against 
my  evil  hour.  (Drawing  it  out.)  See  how 
heavy  it  is,  and  how  the  blood  drain  is  cut 
in  a  medicine  writing  round  and  round  the 
shaft. 

SIMWA 
What  magic  has  it? 

THE  CHISERA 

That  however  far  and  feebly  it  is  shot,  it 
flies  straight  to  the  mark,  over  hills  and  high 
mountains,  in  the  dark  or  light,  and  death 
rides  upon  its  shaft.  (Laughing.)  Why,  you 


44  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

could  kill  even  me  with  this  arrow.  See,  I 
have  tied  it  in  your  quiver,  so  that  you  may 
not  mistake  it  and  shoot  it  away  on  any 
slight  occasion.  It  is  my  latest  gift  to  you, 
Beloved. 

SIMWA 

Thanks  for  the  gift,  Chisera.  Now  give 
me  the  quiver.  I  must  join  the  others  before 
the  Council.  The  fighting  men  were  painting 
their  faces  when  I  came. 

(A  war-whoop  is  heard  at  a  distance.) 

THE  CHISERA 
I  hear  shouting. 

SIMWA 

I  must  go  quickly.  I  would  not  have 
Padahoon  find  me  here. 

THE  CHISERA 

Yes,  he  would  brood  upon  it  like  a  sage 
hen,  until  he  had  hatched  mischief.  Oh, 
Simwa,  though  I  have  prayed  the  gods  until 
they  and  I  are  weary,  to  keep  you  safe  in  this 
war,  yet  my  heart  shakes  to  see  you  go. 
There  is  a  beating  in  my  breast  as  of  the 
wings  of  vultures  after  battle. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  45 

SlMWA 

You  have  wearied  yourself  too  much  mak 
ing  medicine.  If  you  have  no  more  faith  in 
the  gods,  have  a  little  in  me.  If  I  can  go  out 
of  Sagharawite  as  war  leader,  I  shall  come 
back  with  the  spoil  of  Castac.  (Shouts  are 
heard  nearer  than  before.)  Now  I  go  quickly! 
(He  turns  carelessly  from  her  lingering  caress 
and  crosses  to  the  toyon,  starting  back  at  the 
sight  of  PADAHOON,  moving  noiselessly  through 
the  chaparral ',  blanketed  and  watchful.)  What! 
Has  the  Sparrow  Hawk  eaten  when-o-nabe 
that  he  must  visit  the  Chisera  on  the  eve  of 
Council? 

PADAHOON 

I  come  from  the  Chief  —  but  I  had  not 
expected  to  find  Simwa,  the  scoffer,  before 
me. 

SIMWA 

(Uneasily).  I  have  been  gathering  eagles' 
feathers  for  my  arrows  under  Toorape. 

PADAHOON 

Quite  so  —  and  are  not  the  first  hunter  to 
find  the  shortest  way  past  the  house  of  the 
Medicine  Woman.  But  it  is  well  known 


46  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

that    Simwa    seeks  no  charms  for  himself. 
The  Chief  has  been  asking  for  you. 

(He  passes  on  to  the  CHISERA,  standing 
stiffly  with  strained  attention  by  her  hut. 
SIMWA  hesitates,  recovers  himself,  and 
passes  out  with  the  appearance  of  in 
difference.) 

Chisera,  Rain  Wind,  Chief  of  Sagharawite, 
greets  you,  and  bids  me  say  that  at  the  moth- 
hour  he  will  be  here  with  the  fighting  men  to 
invite  the  favor  of  the  gods  in  this  war  with 
Castac. 

THE  CHISERA 
And  before  that — ? 

PADAHOON 
There  will  be  a  Council  — 

THE  CHISERA 
To  choose  a  war  leader. 

PADAHOON 
So  the  Chief  has  said. 

THE  CHISERA 

And  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  Council  to  put 
this  election  to  the  gods  ? 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  47 

PADAHOON 

It  may  come  to  that  -  -  (A  pause.)  Chief 
Rain  Wind  is  a  dotard.  What  should  a 
woman  know  of  these  matters  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

All  that  the  gods  are  thinking  in  their 
hearts. 

PADAHOON 

The  gods,  aye!  But  what  word  have 
the  gods  of  the  affairs  of  Sagharawite  ex 
cept  as  you  carry  it?  Now  between  us — • 
Chisera  — 

THE  CHISERA 

What  is  there  between  us,  Padahoon,  that 
our  talk  should  be  otherwise  than  appears 
at  the  Council? 

PADAHOON 

There  should  be  a  matter  of  two  doeskins, 
tanned  white  and  fine  (he  produces  them  from 
under  his  blanket)  if  the  gods  are  friendly. 
Look,  Chisera! 

(He  spreads  them  out  before  the  CHISERA, 
who  is  seated  by  the  hut,  feathering  a 
prayer-stick.) 


48  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 

(Dropping  the  doeskins  negligently^  Oh, 
the  man  can  make  an  arrow. 

THE  CHISERA 
But  not  lead  a  war  party? 

PADAHOON 

A  war  leader,  Chisera,  should  be  neither 
old  and  timid,  nor  young  and  overbold,  but 
of  middle  years  and  discretion;  not  so  hot  in 
his  heart  that  his  head  cannot  reason  with  it, 
nor  so  reasonable  that  it  cools  his  heart. 

(As  he  stands  again,  his  hands  are  folded 
inside  his  arms;  he  is  not  so  sure  of  his 
errand.) 

THE  CHISERA 
Like  .  .  .  Padahoon. 

PADAHOON 

(Wheedling.)  What  will  the  gods  think  of 
a  blanket  of  the  Navajoes  (he  spreads  it  out 
before  her)  —  thick  and  fine  —  and  four 
strings  of  shells  —  and  a  cake  of  mesquite 
meal  — ? 

THE  CHISERA 
Are  the  gods  a-cold,  Padahoon,  that  you 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  49 

bring  them  a  blanket?     Is  there  hunger  in 
their  camp,  think  you? 

PADAHOON 

Let  the  things  stay  in  yours,  Chisera;  they 
will  remind  you  to  speak  well  of  me  when  you 
go  before  the  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man. 

THE  CHISERA 
Put  up  your  pack,  Padahoon! 

PADAHOON 

It  is  a  little  matter,  Chisera;  a  handful  of 
sticks  thrown  on  the  ground.  What  should 
the  gods  care  for  a  handful  of  sticks?  And 
the  blanket  is  very  thick.  Shall  I  leave  it  a 
little  while,  that  you  may  admire  it? 

THE  CHISERA 

Put  up  your  pack,  Padahoon,  and  learn 
not  to  think  so  lightly  of  the  gods,  lest  they 
visit  it  upon  you! 

PADAHOON 

(Reluctantly  putting  up  ike  bribe;  after  a 
pause,  revolving  new  measures.}  Chisera,  this 
is  a  man's  business  which  comes  before  you 
in  the  Council.  Will  you  hear  man-talk  from 
me? 


$0  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

Is  it  possible  the  Sparrow  Hawk  does  so 
much  credit  to  my  understanding? 

PADAHOON 

Chisera,  we  have  had  peace  now  at  Sag- 
harawite  so  many  summers  that  scarcely  a 
man  of  us  besides  myself  has  seen  battle; 
also  we  are  a  little  outnumbered.  Have 
you  thought,  Chisera,  what  will  come  to 
Sagharawite  if  we  go  out  under  an  untried 
leader? 

THE  CHISERA 

What  will  come  will  be  as  the  gods  deter 
mine.  What  reason  have  you  to  think  they 
will  favor  you  more  than  Simwa  ? 

PADAHOON 

It  is  my  experience,  Chisera,  that  the  gods 
are  inclined  to  the  better  man.  And,  look 
you,  Chisera,  this  is  perhaps  my  last  chance 
to  serve  my  people.  Comes  another  war,  if 
there  are  enough  of  us  left  after  this  to  make 
another  war  possible,  I  shall  be  too  old  for 
leadership.  And  I  have  that  in  me  which  I 
would  prove  before  I  die.  This  is  man-talk, 
Chisera.  Do  you  understand  it? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  51 

THE  CHISERA 

I  understand  that  you  want  greatly  this 
election,  but  I  can  do  nothing  except  as  the 
gods  declare.  Put  up  your  pack,  Padahoon, 
I  have  work  to  do.  (Rising.) 

PADAHOON 

(Putting  up  his  pack.}  How  much  did 
Simwa  give  you? 

THE  CHISERA 

(Startled.)  Simwa!  (Recovering  herself.) 
The  Arrow-Maker  of  Sagharawite  leaves  all 
higher  matters  where  they  belong. 

PADAHOON 

Simwa  put  trust  in  the  gods!  Simwa  be 
lieve  that  by  singing  and  dancing  and  wav 
ing  of  arms,  with  a  rag  of  buckskin  and  a 
hair  of  your  head  and  three  leaves  of  a  sel 
dom-flowering  plant,  you  can  turn  the  for 
tunes  of  war?  This  will  be  news  for  the 
fighting  men,  Chisera. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Quivering,  but  controlling  herself.)  Pada 
hoon,  now  by  this  I  am  minded  to  prove 
what  the  gods  can  do  against  tale-bearers 


52  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

and  snakes  in  the  grass  1  (Balancing  her  medi 
cine  stick  for  a  moment,  she  seems  on  the  point 
of  invoking  the  gods  against  him,  but  thinks 
better  of  it.}  Nay,  but  the  gods  have  greater 
affairs.  (Sound  of  the  drums  in  the  direction 
of  the  camp.}  Now  I  go  to  prepare  strong 
medicine  so  that  you  shall  know,  Padahoon, 
how  the  gods  choose  between  you  and  the 
Arrow-Maker. 

(She  goes  into  the  hut  and  lets  fall  the  cur 
tain.} 

(Enter  PAMAQUASH,  YAVI,  and  other  youths 
to  prepare  for  the  Council) 

PAMAQUASH 
Is  the  Chisera  advised  of  the  Council? 

PADAHOON 

Even  now  she  prepares  herself  in  the  wick 
iup.   Where  is  the  Chief? 

PAMAQUASH 

He  stays  only  until  the  fighting  men  are 
gathered  together. 

PADAHOON 

I  will  join  them.    See  that  the  Chisera  is 
not  disturbed  before  her  time. 

(He  goes  out.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  53 

PAMAQUASH 

Over  there  in  front  of  the  wickiup,  one  of 
you  light  the  medicine  fire,  but  do  not  light 
it  until  the  Chisera  comes. 

(YAVI  and  another  'prepare  ike  fire.) 

YAVI 

How  is  it  that  the  Chisera  will  discover 
the  will  of  the  gods  ? 

PAMAQUASH 

Spread  a  blanket  there,  where  the  Chief 
and  the  Chisera  will  sit-  •  (To  YAVI.)  By 
the  casting  of  the  seven  sacred  sticks.  As  the 
gods  will  they  make  the  sticks  to  fall  in  a 
sign  that  she  can  read. 

YAVI 

Is  it  so  that  the  Medicine  Worker  some 
times  fails? 

PAMAQUASH 

Medicine  men  have  died  at  it  before  now 
—  and  better  so,  for  otherwise  they  should 
have  died  by  the  law. 

YAVI 
Is  that  the  law? 


54  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PAMAQUASH 

Surely,  surely.  For  of  what  use  is  an 
advocate  with  the  gods  if  he  cannot  get  to 
them.  It  would  be  so  with  the  Chisera. 

(As  the  preparations  have  gone  forward, 
the  sound  of  the  drums  and  rattles, 
with  an  occasional  subdued  whoop,  has 
drawn  nearer,  and  the  Fighting  Men, 
led  by  the  CHIEF,  in  full  fighting  gear, 
arrive  in  single  file  marching  to  the 
drums.  The  procession  halts  in  the 
open  space  before  the  CHISERA'S  hut.) 

CHIEF 

Let  the  Council  sit. 

(Eleven  of  the  elders  seat  themselves  in  a 
circle  about  the  fire,  turning  toward  the 
CHIEF.  The  others  stand  or  sit  atten 
tively  in  the  background.  The  CHIEF 
at  the  fire  hands  the  ceremonial  pipe  to 
YAVI  who  lights  it.  RAIN  WIND  blows 
a  puff  of  smoke  to  all  the  gods,  returning 
to  his  place  in  the  Council;  the  pipe 
passes  from  hand  to  hand;  when  it  has 
passed  all  about,  each  tribesman  blow 
ing  smoke  and  saluting,  the  CHIEF  rises 
and  stands  before  the  CHISERA'S  hut.) 

Chisera,  Chisera,  come  to  Council! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  55 

THE  CHISERA 

(Advancing  to  his  side.)   Rain  Wind,  Chief 
of  Sagharawite,  what  will  you  have  of  me? 
(PAMAQUASH  lights  the  medicine  fire.) 


CHIEF 

To  carry  a  matter  too  hard  for  us  before 
the  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man. 

THE  CHISERA 

Nothing  that  men  contrive  in  their  hearts 
is  too  hard  for  the  gods.  Speak,  then! 

(Goes  and  sits  beside  the  CHIEF.) 

CHIEF 

(Rising.)  Tribesmen,  for  as  many  years  as 
a  fir  tree  needs  to  bear  cones,  I  have  been 
Chief  in  Sagharawite.  Now  I  am  old,  and, 
like  a  badger,  see  only  my  own  trail  (grunts 
of  dissent),  and  my  legs  carry  me  no  farther 
than  my  eyes  see.  Therefore,  since  there  is 
war  with  Castac  concerning  the  pinon  trees 
which  are  ours  (grunts  and  exclamations),  it  is 
right  you  have  a  younger  man  to  lead  you. 
But,  since  it  has  never  happened  that  there 
must  be  a  war  leader  chosen  while  there  is  a 
chief  alive  and  sitting  in  Council,  I  think  it 


56  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

well  to  inquire  how  the  gods  stand  toward  us. 
Tribesmen,  what  do  you  say? 

(Sits  with  great  dignity.) 

CHOCO 

(Rising  and  saluting  the  CHIEF  with  lifted 
hand.  Speaking  with  great  deliberation  and 
winning  sober  approval.)  Chief  Rain  Wind 
has  said.  The  occasion  is  strange  and  the 
candidates  of  such  diverse  but  equal  merit 
that  it  is  impossible  for  a  just  man  to  choose 
between  them.  Let  the  Chisera  carry  it  to 
the  gods. 

CHIEF 

This  is  truth  which  Choco  says  —  whom 
the  gods  will  favor  they  favor.  They  are  not 
greatly  bound  to  the  choice  of  men. 

THE  COUNCIL 
Good  counsel!  good  counsel! 

(Assent  from  the  bystanders.) 

TAVWOTS 

(Continuing,  with  earnestness.)  Tribesmen, 
I  am  not  myself  of  two  minds  in  this  busi 
ness.  I  speak  freely  for  Padahoon  according 
to  our  custom  which  is,  without  discredit  to 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  57 

the  Arrow-Maker,  for  the  leadership  of  the 
elder.  But  at  least  let  us  remember  that  the 
gods  have  high  affairs;  they  are  not  always 
listening  to  the  gossip  of  the  camp-fire  and 
hut.  What  word  have  they  of  Sagharawite 
except  as  the  Chisera  carries  it?  If  we  put 
the  choice  to  them,  let  her  know  what  we 
are  thinking  in  our  hearts.  Let  Simwa  and 
Sparrow  Hawk  declare  it  so  that  we  and  the 
gods  shall  know  how  they  stand  toward  the 
conduct  of  this  war.  I  have  said. 

(Seats  himself  amid  general  approval.) 

OLD  MEN 

Good  counsel!  Good  counsel! 

TRIBESMEN 

Simwa!  Padahoon!  The  Arrow-Maker! 
Padahoon! 

CHIEF 

Padahoon,  you  have  the  more  years;  say 
what  you  will  do.  And  do  you,  Chisera,  bear 
it  well  in  your  heart  as  you  go  up  before  the 
Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man. 

THE  CHISERA 
The  trail  of  the  gods  is  hard  and  none  may 


58  THE   ARROW-MAKER 

walk  therein  save  those  that  walk  sincerely. 
Speak,  then! 

PADAHOON 

(Rising.)  Chief  and  tribesmen,  you  know 
me.  What  I  think  in  my  heart,  I  say;  and 
what  I  say  I  do.  The  pinon  trees  are  ours, 
since  the  time  of  our  father's  fathers  (general 
assent),  and  this  is  a  vain  fight  for  the  men  of 
Castac.  Inasmuch  as  they  have  crossed  our 
borders,  they  do  evilly,  but  they  are  also 
Paiutes,  as  we  are,  and  sons  of  the  Bear. 
Aforetime  when  the  Tecuyas  came  against 
us,  they  were  as  our  brothers.  Now,  were  I 
war  leader,  I  should  leave  them  at  Pahrump 
and,  going  up  behind  the  ridge  of  Toorape, 
strike  at  their  villages.  When  we  have  their 
women  and  children  and  their  stores,  we  can 
make  terms  with  our  brothers  of  Castac.  So 
shall  we  save  our  honor  and  our  allies. 

INDIANS 

Good  counsel!  Ugh!  Huh!  Padahoon! 
Good  counsel! 

CHIEF 
Speak,  Simwa! 

SIMWA 
(Rising.)    Shall  I  call  a  thief  my  brother, 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  59 

and  is  a  poacher  my  fellow  that  I  should 
respect  him?  Sons  of  the  Bear  are  the  men  of 
Castac?  Aye,  bastard  sons,  and  the  coyote  is 
their  mother.  (Grunts  and  cries  of  approval.} 
The  Castacs  have  filled  up  our  springs  and 
driven  our  deer.  They  have  stalked  our 
hunters  in  the  hills.  (Grunts.)  Aye,  but  we 
have  given  the  stalkers  arrows  of  ours  to 
keep.  (Grunts  of  satisfaction.)  Shall  we  go 
after  our  arrows,  men  of  Sagharawite,  or 
shall  we  wait  until  our  "brothers"  of  Castac 
come  and  stroke  us?  I  am  not  so  old  as 
Padahoon,  nor  so  wise,  but,  by  the  Bear  that 
fathered  us,  were  I  war  leader  for  the  space 
of  one  moon,  there  would  be  no  more  men  of 
Castac  to  trouble  our  harvest. 

YOUNG  MEN 
Simwa!   Simwa!  The  Arrow-Maker! 

OLD  MEN 

Padahoon!  Padahoon! 

CHIEF 

Tribesmen,  the  wisdom  of  Padahoon  is 
sound,  and  such  as  every  man  has  in  his  own 
head;  but  the  speech  of  Simwa  is  a  water  of 
mirage  about  our  understanding.  Shall  we 
try  what  the  gods  will  do? 

(Nods  and  grunts  of  approval.) 


60  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

OLD  MEN 
The  gods  —  the  Chisera  —  the  Chisera! 

CHIEF 

The  best  of  the  spoil  of  Castac  is  yours, 
Chisera,  if  the  choice  be  fortunate. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Rising  to  begin.)  I  want  no  spoil;  this  is 
also  my  quarrel.  How  will  you  have  the  ven 
ture  tried? 

INDIANS 
The  sticks!  The  sacred  sticks! 

(The  CHISERA  produces  the  sticks  from 
her  medicine  bag,  and  hands  them  to  one 
of  the  Old  Men.  To  each  of  the  others 
who  will  dance  with  her  (two  or  three) 
she  gives  a  fetish  from  her  bag.  They 
have  already  put  on  appropriate  head- 
dresses  and  are  prepared  for  dancing. 
She  motions  the  rattles  to  begin.  Behind 
her  are  the  Old  Men,  with  the  drums  and 
rattles;  on  each  side,  the  Fighting  Men 
seated  on  the  ground.  The  dance  begins, 
the  CHISERA  singing.  The  Old  Men 
keep  up  a  crooning  accompaniment; 
from  time  to  time  the  Fighting  Men  join 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  61 

the  singing  and  exhibit  a  growing  ex 
citement  as  the  dance  'progresses.  At 
intervals ~,  one  and  another  oj  them,  leaps 
to  his  feet  and  joins  the  dance.  At  the 
last,  the  CHI  SERA,  whirling  rapidly, 
falls  to  the  ground.  Instantly  the  rattles 
are  stopped,  and  the  people  wait  in  sus 
pense  the  word  of  the  gods.  The  women 
are  seen  to  steal  up  through  the  toyon 
bushes.  The  CHISERA  lifts  herself 
slowly  on  one  elbow,  as  if  waking  from 
a  drugged  sleep.  She  stretches  out  her 
hand  for  the  sacred  sticks.  She  drops 
them  with  a  quick  turn  of  the  wrist, 
gathers  them  up  and  drops  them  again, 
seeking  for  an  augury.  She  throws  up 
the  arm  with  the  medicine  stick  and 
begins  to  chant.) 

THE  CHISERA 

The  bows  of  Castac  shall  be  broken. 
The  bowstring  shall  break  asunder. 
The  bows  of  thy  foes  shall  be  broken  and 
the  vultures  come  to  the  battle. 

(Excitement  and  confusion.) 

INDIANS 

The  omen,  the  omen!  the  war  leader! 


62  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 
(Chanting) 

The  Maker  of  Arrows  shall  lead  you. 
He  that  makes  arrows  of  eagles'  feathers, 
Arrow-Maker  of  Sagharawite,  he  shall  lead  you, 
Simwa  shall  break  the  bows  of  Castac. 

TRIBESMEN 
Simwa ! 

(The  Indians  break  into  a  great  shout  for 
SIMWA.  RAIN  WIND  puts  a  collar  of 
bears'  claws  about  SIMWA'S  neck,  lifts 
his  war-bonnet  and  places  it  on  his  head. 
SIMWA  raises  his  war-club  with  a  great 
shout,  dancing  about  the  half-prostrate 
form  of  the  CHISERA,  the  Fighting  Men 
one  by  one  falling  into  the  dance  with 
wild  exultant  movements,  chanting.) 

The  bows  of  Castac  shall  be  broken! 
The  bowstring  shall  break  asunder  ! 
He  shall  break  the  bows  of  Castac! 

(As  they  pass  out  on  the  war  trail  shouting, 
the  women  are  seen  to  come  to  the  help 
of  the  CHISERA.) 

CURTAIN 


ACT  SECOND 


ACT  SECOND 

SCENE.  —  The  campody  of  Sagharawite,  three 
months  later,  near  the  new  wickiup  of  the 
Arrow-Maker.  At  the  right,  the  house  of 
RAIN  WIND,  and  behind  all  a  spring  un 
der  a  clump  of  dwarf  oaks.  A  little  trail 
runs  between  stones  to  connect  the  Arrow- 
Maker  with  the  rest  of  the  campody,  and 
beyond  it  the  valley  rises  gently  to  the 
Sierra  foothills,  brooding  under  the  spring 
haze.  A  little  to  the  fore  of  SIMWA'S  house 
lies  a  great  heap  of  blankets,  baskets,  and 
camp  utensils,  displayed  to  the  best  advan 
tage,  the  wedding  dower  of  the  Chiefs 
daughter.  By  her  father's  house  BRIGHT 
WATER  is  being  dressed  for  bridal  by  her 
young  companions.  They  braid  her  hair, 
paint  her  face,  tie  her  moccasins,  and 
arrange  her  beads  over  the  robe  of  white 
doeskin;  they  laugh  as  they  work  and  are 
happily  important  as  is  the  custom  of 
bridesmaids.  The  older  women  are  win 
nowing  grain  and  grinding  at  the  metate. 

At  the  left  and  front,  SIMWA,  TAVWOTS,  and 
others  are  gambling  with  dice  made  of 


66  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

halves  of  black-walnut  hulls,  filled  with 
pitch;  the  number  indicated  by  bits  of 
shell  embedded  in  the  pitch.  They  are 
shaken  in  a  small  basket  and  turned  out 
on  a  basket  plaque. 

The  older  men  look  on,  smoking.  TAVWOTS  is 
broad-faced  and  merry,  and  does  not  neg 
lect  to  ogle  the  girls  at  intervals,  which 
causes  them  to  giggle  and  hide  their  heads 
in  their  blankets.  The  men  have  on  their 
holiday  dress,  especially  the  younger  com 
panions  of  SIMWA. 

TAVWOTS 
(Throwing.)   Five! 

SIMWA 
(Throwing.)  And  five  again! 

INDIANS 
Hi!  Hi! 

TAVWOTS 
Four! 

SIMWA 
Seven !   (Exclamations.) 

SEEGOOCHE 
(Bringing  a  blanket.)    Here,  let  us  spread 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  67 

the  blanket  where  the  newly  married  pair 
shall  sit  when  first  my  daughter  comes  to 
her  husband's  house. 

(The  women  assist  her,  spreading  it  in 
front  of  SIMWA'S  house.) 

TlAWA 

And  this  time  next  year,  may  you  be  a 
grandmother. 

SEEGOOCHE 

I  pray  so.  To-morrow  I  shall  go  to  the 
Chisera  and  get  a  charm  to  make  it  sure. 

WACOBA 
Does  not  the  Chisera  come  to  the  wedding? 

SEEGOOCHE 

I  wished  it  so,  but  Simwa  has  no  faith  in 
magic  medicine.  He  thinks  we  show  her  too 
much  respect  because  of  her  mumblings  and 
wavings  of  arms. 

WACOBA 
It  would  have  been  neighborly  to  invite  her. 

TIAWA 

I  should  be  afraid  lest  some  mischief  came 
of  this  neglect. 


68  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SEEGOOCHE 

So  am  I;  but  Simwa  would  not  have  her 
asked. 

(She  passes  to  her  own  hut  and  brings  out 
grain  and  pine  nuts,  with  which  the 
other  women  fill  their  ceremonial  bas 
kets.) 

TIAWA 

No  doubt  Simwa  feels  that  the  gods  have 
done  so  much  for  him  that  he  can  afford  to 
dispense  with  an  advocate. 


HAIWAI 

(Who  has  approached  unnoticed.)  Small 
wonder  he  thinks  so  when  you  remember  how 
he  brought  our  men  back  scatheless  with  the 
spoil  of  Castac.  Seegooche,  I  bring  the  best 
of  my  share  to  grace  your  daughter's  wed 
ding.  (Offers  basket.) 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Taking  it  and  handing  it  about.)  My 
thanks  to  you.  (Noticing  the  papoose  which 
she  carries  strapped  in  a  basket  at  her  back.) 
And  who  is  this  that  comes  to  my  house  un 
invited  ? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  69 

HAIWAI 

Nay,  but  he  came  to  mine  but  five  days 
since;  and  already  he  grips  like  a  man! 

(Showing  him  about  proudly.) 

TlAWA 

Hey,  little  warrior! 

TUIYO 

Ah,  let  me  have  him,  Haiwai!  I  will  hold 
him  carefully. 

(Still  seated,  she  reaches  up  her  arms  for 
the  child  and  coos  over  it.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Let  me! 

( Takes  the  basket  from  TUIYO  and  rocks 
the  basket,  crooning.) 

Hey,  little  dove,  hush,  little  dove, 
JT  is  the  wind  rocking 
Thy  nest  in  the  pine  tree. 
Hey,  little  dove. 

WHITE  FLOWER 

Chief's  daughter,  do  you  think  you  will  be 
able  to  do  so  well  by  your  husband? 

(BRIGHT  WATER  gives  back  the  child  to 
its  mother  in  great  confusion.) 


70  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SEEGOOCHE 

Do  not  plague  her.  (The  women  return  to 
their  work.)  It  is  the  way  with  maids,  the 
nearer  they  are  to  mothering  the  less  they 
wish  to  hear  of  it. 

TIAWA 

Still  I  would  see  the  Chisera  if  I  were  you. 
It  is  a  pity  she  is  not  invited. 

TUIYO 

(Painting  BRIGHT  WATER.)  Tell  me,  See- 
gooche,  do  I  put  the  white  on  her  cheeks  too, 
or  only  on  the  forehead. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Alarmed.)  No,  no  white  at  all,  not  on 
her  wedding  day.  It  is  an  evil  omen. 

TUIYO 

(Wiping  it  off  hastily.)  Then  I  will  take  it 
off  again.  All  the  misfortune  be  on  my  head. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Never  fear,  mother,  I  am  so  defended  by 
happiness  no  evil  could  get  near  me. 

WHITE  FLOWER 
Besides,  the  bride  of  Simwa  need  fear  no 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  71 

omens.  The  luck  of  her  husband  will  protect 
her. 

TUIYO 

(With  a  final  touch.)  There,  come  to  the 
spring  and  see  how  lovely  you  are. 

( The  girls  all  rise.) 

TAVWOTS 

That's  bad  medicine  you  make  for  us 
unmarried  men. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Standing forth  in  her  bridal  array.)  Is  it  so 
bad,  Simwa? 

(SiMWA  answers  with  his  eyes.) 

TAVWOTS 

Already  he  is  speechless,  and  I  have 
staked  him  my  collar  of  elks'  teeth  as  a  charm 
against  it. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Tavwots,  you  have  eaten  meadowlarks' 
tongues.  If  you  had  a  wife,  you  would  keep 
her  in  a  gambling  basket.  (At  the  spring.) 
Now  I  need  only  flowers  for  my  hair.  Let  us 
go  get  them.  (The  girls  go  out.) 


72  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

TAVWOTS 

(Throwing  down  his  collar  of  elks'  teeth.) 
By  the  Bear,  Simwa,  I  do  not  know  how  it  is 
you  persuade  the  gods  to  be  always  on  your 
side.  First  you  are  made  war  leader,  then 
you  marry  the  Chiefs  daughter,  and  now 
you  have  my  collar  of  elks'  teeth  to  top  all. 

SIMWA 

(Gathering  up  the  stakes.)  Will  you  take  a 
chance  to  have  it  back  again? 

TAVWOTS 

I  would,  if  I  had  anything  to  stake  you; 
but  my  luck  has  left  me  little  but  my  shirt. 

SIMWA 
I  will  play  you  for  that. 

TAVWOTS 
Not  until  after  the  wedding.  (Rises.) 

SIMWA 

As  you  like.  Your  shirt  against  the  collar. 
Do  you  play,  friends  ? 

FIRST  INDIAN 
Not  I. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  73 

YAVI 
Nor  I.  The  luck  is  all  to  Simwa.  (All  rise.) 


TAVWOTS 

Yes.  One  would  think  he  had  been  court 
ing  the  Chisera. 

SIMWA 
(Who  has  risen,  turning  sharply.)   How? 

TAVWOTS 

I  said  I  could  not  guess  how  you  manage 
to  be  always  winning,  unless  you  have  made 
love  to  the  Chisera,  and  she  has  persuaded 
the  gods  for  you.  (Slapping  him  on  the  back.) 
Why,  this  is  the  first  time  you  were  ever 
accused  of  love-making  and  looked  sourly 
over  it! 

SIMWA 

(Smirking.)  No  fault  of  mine  if  the  women 
like  a  good  figure. 

TAVWOTS 

No  advantage  either  from  this  time  hence 
forward.  Here  comes  Chief  Rain  Wind  to 
marry  you  to  his  daughter. 


74  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

CHIEF 

(Issuing  from  his  wickiup  in  full  holiday 
dress,  blanketed.)  Where  is  she? 

SEEGOOCHE 

She  gathers  flowers  with  her  young  com 
panions.  She  comes  presently. 

CHIEF 

Bid  the  married  women  prepare  to  bless 
the  bridal.  Are  the  guests  all  here? 

SEEGOOCHE 

Choco  and  the  others  who  went  out  to 
hunt  early  this  morning  have  not  yet  re 
turned. 

CHIEF 

I  would  speak  with  them  when  they  come. 
And  Padahoon? 

TAVWOTS 
I  do  not  know,  unless  he  visits  the  Chisera. 

SIMWA 
(Startled.)   Padahoon? 

TAVWOTS 
So  often  does  he  go  to  her  house,  if  he  did 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  75 

not  have  a  wife  already,  I  should  think  he 
had  an  eye  to  her.  The  best  cut  of  my  next 
kill  against  my  shirt,  Simwa,  that  he  goes  to 
find  ways  to  make  good  against  you  the  loss 
of  the  leadership. 

SIMWA 

(Complacently^)  Padahoon  cannot  forgive 
me  the  victory  at  Castac. 

TAVWOTS 

Well,  if  the  Tecuya  Creek  tribes  keep  up 
their  quarreling,  we  are  all  likely  to  wish  you 
had  not  killed  off  so  many  of  their  fighting 
men. 

SIMWA 

I  shall  deal  with  the  Tecuyas  as  I  did  with 
Castac. 

TAVWOTS 

The  gods  were  with  you.  Next  time 
Padahoon  may  win  the  Chisera  to  be  on  his 
side. 

SIMWA 

(Suspiciously.)  What  do  you  mean?  Am 
I  not  war  leader  of  Sagharawite? 

TAVWOTS 
So  long  as  we  and  the  gods  approve  you. 


76  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

But  if  I  were  the  gods,  and  the  Chisera  came 
dancing  before  me  — 

CHIEF 

Tavwots,  your  wit  misleads  you.  The 
Chisera  is  not  a  subject  for  jest  or  the  favor 
of  men;  she  is  an  advocate  with  the  gods  for 
us. 

TAVWOTS 

Well,  the  gods  have  a  handsome  advocate. 
I  should  give  her  anything  she  asked.   (Look 
ing  off.)   See,  bridegroom,  the  girls  are  danc 
ing,  and  you  not  with  them ! 
(SiMWA  and  several  of  the  younger  men  go  out.) 

CHIEF 

(Detaining  TAVWOTS.)  Tavwots,  what  do 
you  know  of  this  Tecuya  Creek  matter? 

TAVWOTS 
More  than  I  like  to  spoil  a  feast-day  with. 

CHIEF 
Nevertheless,  tell  it. 

TAVWOTS 

They  have  forbidden  all  the  campodies 
east  of  us  from  fishing  in  the  river.  Also  they 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  77 

watch  all  the  trails  toward  Toorape  and  take 
toll  of  passers. 

CHIEF 
On  what  grounds? 

TAVWOTS 

None,  I  think,  except  that  they  are  able. 
A  bowman  of  Tehachappi  inquired  of  me 
how  many  fell  at  Castac,  and  I,  thinking  to 
glorify  the  tribe,  —  I  told  him. 

CHIEF 
What  said  he  to  that? 

TAVWOTS 

What  I  should  have  expected.  He  grinned 
upon  me  like  a  sick  coyote  and  said,  "They 
are  poor  allies,  the  dead." 

INDIANS 
Ugh!  Ugh!  Ugh! 

CHIEF 

Here  are  the  hunters.   They  will  know  if 
there  is  mischief  stirring. 
(Enter  from  the  left,  CHOCO,  PAMAQUASH,  and 
others,  carrying  game) 


78  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

TAVWOTS 
And  with  the  Arrow-Maker's  own  luck! 

CHOCO 
So  far  as  the  quarry  goes. 

CHIEF 
But  not  for  the  hunters  — ? 

CHOCO 

( To  him.)  Send  the  younger  men  away.  I 
have  a  word  for  you. 

CHIEF 

You,  Fleet-Foot,  Yavi,  all  of  you  —  carry 
the  game  to  the  women  and  help  them  dress 
it  for  the  feast.  (The  young  men  take  up  the 
game  and  go  out,  leaving  CHOCO,  TAVWOTS, 
and  the  Old  Men  with  the  CHIEF.)  Let  us  hear 
your  word,  Choco. 

CHOCO 

(Taking  a  long  arrow  from  under  his 
blanket.)  What  make  you  of  that? 

CHIEF 
(Examining  it.)  Tecuya  Creek,  surely. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  79 

OLD  MEN 
(Handing  it  about.}   Tecuya  —  Tecuya. 

CHIEF 
Where  did  you  find  it? 

CHOCO 

Where  I  like  least  to  see  it  —  in  the  body 
of  a  friend. 

MEN 
Ah — a — a — ah! 

CHIEF 
What  friend? 

CHOCO 

Winnedumah.  He  went  out  to  the  hunt 
yesterday  and  was  to  have  joined  us  this 
morning  at  Deer  Leap.  I  found  him  by  the 
crossing  of  the  trails,  with  that  through  him. 

CHIEF 
Bad  business.   What  say  you  it  means  ? 

CHOCO 

That  the  Tecuyas  think  we  dare  not 
avenge  it. 


8o  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

CHIEF 

Dare  not!  Simwa  must  hear  of  this,  but 
not  on  his  wedding  day.  To-morrow  we  will 
take  counsel.  I  would  I  might  have  a  word 
with  Padahoon. 

TAVWOTS 

He  is  there  on  the  barranca;  I  will  call  him. 
Oh — ee,  Padahoon! 

PADAHOON 

(Appearing  on  the  barranca.)  What  now? 
(Ironically.)  Can  not  the  Arrow-Maker  so 
much  as  take  a  wife  without  calling  all  the 
tribes  to  witness  ?  (Coming  down  the  barranca, 
noting  their  gravity.)  What  has  happened? 
Is  the  Council  called? 

CHIEF 

For  to-morrow.  In  the  mean  time  there  is 
this.  (Handing  up  the  arrow.) 

PADAHOON 

(Standing  halfway  down  the  bank  as  he 
examines  it.)  An  arrow  of  Tecuya.  Blood? 
Blood  of  Sagharawite? 

TAVWOTS 
Of  Winnedumah. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  81 

PADAHOON 

(Blazing  forth.)  By  the  Bear  that  fathered 
us !  It  is  likely  to  prove  an  open  wound  in  the 
honor  of  Sagharawite.  Not  ten  sleeps  have 
passed  since  the  last  of  our  fighting  men 
returned  from  the  killing  of  our  blood  broth 
ers,  and  already  we  have  a  witness  to  our 
! folly!  The  Tecuyas  are  three  to  one  of  us. 

PAMAQUASH 

But  the  luck  of  Simwa  is  more  than  three 
times  that  of  Tecuya. 

PADAHOON 

The  fortunes  of  Simwa!  What  are  they 
but  the  accidents  of  time  and  weather.  A 
landslip  on  the  trail,  a  rainstorm  that  wetted 
their  bowstrings  and  left  ours  dry.  The 
damp  has  slacked  your  wits,  Rain  Wind, 
that  you  are  not  able  to  distinguish  between 
the  Arrow-Maker  and  his  luck. 

CHIEF 
The  witness  of  the  gods  in  his  favor. 

PADAHOON 

The  gods  are  not  always  so  attentive. 
Where  was  the  luck  of  the  Arrow-Maker  that 


82  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

it  has  not  saved  us  from  this?  (Shaking  the 
arrow  as  he  descends.}  Show  me  something 
which  we  owe  to  Simwa  if  you  would  have 
me  trust  in  him. 

CHIEF 

I  will  show  you  the  pit  of  your  own  heart, 
Padahoon,  and  the  adder  that  bites  at  the 
root  of  it.  You  are  jealous  of  the  fame  and 
the  office  of  Simwa,  but  you  shall  not  sink 
your  venom  in  the  minds  of  the  Fighting 
Men. 

PADAHOON 

I  would  I  could  sting  them  to  understand 
that  if  Tecuya  comes  against  us,  they  will 
not  trust  so  much  to  luck  as  to  war  craft. 

CHIEF 

Understand  yourself  that  whatever  comes 
of  this  business  of  Tecuya,  Simwa  is  still  war 
leader.  You  are  too  old  a  man,  Padahoon, 
to  be  told  that  whoever  lessens  the  credit  of 
the  war  leader  saps  at  the  strength  of  Sag- 
harawite. 

PADAHOON 

Aye,  I  am  an  old  man  and  in  my  dotage 
when  I  seek  to  set  years  of  good  faith  and 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  83 

experience  against  the  fortunate  moments 
of  a  fool. 

CHIEF 

The  Chief  has  spoken.  No  more  of  this 
until  the  Council.  In  the  mean  time,  not  a 
word  to  the  women.  It  is  an  ill  omen  for  a 
feast. 

(He  goes  out,  followed  by  all  but  TAVWOTS, 
CHOCO,  PAMAQUASH,  and  PADAHOON.) 

TAVWOTS 

(Laying  his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  PADA 
HOON.)  By  the  Bear,  Padahoon,  I  have  been 
on  your  side  in  this  matter  heretofore,  but 
now  I  think  the  Chief  is  right.  It  is  an  ill 
business  setting  men  against  the  war  leader 
in  time  of  danger. 

PADAHOON 

You  too,  Tavwots  —  you  have  looked  at 
the  lure  of  the  Arrow-Maker's  luck  and  do 
not  see  the  snare  which  his  want  of  wit 
spreads  for  your  feet? 

TAVWOTS 

(Uncertainly.)  But  if  the  fortune  of  Simwa 
is  not  his  own,  whence  is  it? 


84  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 

Tell  me,  Tavwots,  when  another  man 
seeks  favor  from  the  gods,  by  whom  does  it 
come  ? 

TAVWOTS 
By  the  Chisera.   But  what  — 

PADAHOON 

On  the  morning  of  the  election,  when  I 
went  from  the  Chief  to  advise  the  Chisera, 
I  met  Simwa  by  her  hut. 

PAMAQUASH 

I  also  met  him  when  I  came  back  from 
Leaping  Water  to  bring  word  to  the  women 
—  he  said  he  had  been  gathering  eagles' 
feathers  for  his  arrows. 

PADAHOON 

So  he  said  to  me.  Feathers  for  arrows 
when  every  man  had  his  quiver  full  at  his 
back! 

TAVWOTS 

But  Simwa  puts  no  faith  in  magic  medi 
cine.  Why,  he  has  not  even  asked  the  Chisera 
to  his  wedding! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  85 

PADAHOON 

No,  not  even  though  the  Chief's  daughter 
urged  it.  (A  'pause  full  of  significance.) 

TAVWOTS 

No,  no!  Padahoon!  Unless  the  Chisera 
owned  to  it  herself,  I  would  not  believe  it. 
The  Chief  is  right.  The  wound  of  your 
jealousy  festers  and  corrupts  your  tongue. 
(Turning  his  back  on  PADAHOON  he  claps 
PAMAQUASH  on  the  shoulder.)  Come  and 
dance! 

CHOCO 

(Gathering  his  blanket  around  him.)  Even 
if  the  Chisera  owned  it,  I  would  not  believe 
it. 

(The  men  move  in  the  direction  of  the 
merrymaking  and  are  met  by  the  younger 
people,  laughing  and  shouting  for 
SIMWA.  PADAHOON  watches  them  bit 
terly  for  a  while,  and,  revolving  many 
things,  draws  his  blanket  up  and  de 
parts  in  the  direction  of  the  CHISERA'S 
hut.) 

PAMAQUASH 

Come,  Arrow-Maker,  a  speech  for  your 
bridal.  (Laughter  and  approval.) 


86  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SlMWA 

(Drunk  with  popularity^)  The  war  leader 
loves  deeds  rather  than  talking. 

TAVWOTS 

We  have  seen  what  your  fighting  is  like. 
Give  us  a  speech. 

SIMWA 

Friends  and  tribesmen,  the  fortune  of 
Simwa  is  Simwa.  Does  the  Bear  take  weap 
ons  against  the  woodchuck,  and  shall  the 
sons  of  the  Bear  make  charms  against  their 
enemies  ?  The  spoil  of  Castac  is  in  our  camp 
(cheers)  and  our  young  men  hunt  within 
their  borders.  (Applause.)  If  any  of  the 
tribes  inquire  where  are  the  fullest  harvests, 
the  fattest  deer,  the  prettiest  maidens  (he 
flings  his  blanket  about  BRIGHT  WATER),  bid 
him  look  for  the  land  of  Simwa  the  Arrow- 
Maker.  (Shouts  and  laughter.) 

YOUNG  MEN 

Come,  now,  a  dance,  a  dance!  Tavwots, 
dance  for  us ! 

( The  cries  increasing,  TAVWOTS  is  pushed 
forward  to  dance,  others  cry  for  PAMA- 
QUASH  and  YAVI,  who  join  TAVWOTS, 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  87 

laughing,  to  dance  ike  blanket  dance,  all 
the  others  singing  and  keeping  time  with 
swaying  bodies.  The  girls  hover  about 
the  dancers,  and  as  at  certain  points  in 
the  dance  the  Young  Men  attempt  to 
cast  their  blankets  about  the  heads  of  the 
girls,  they  duck  and  squeal.  Finally, 
amid  much  laughter,  each  dancer  cap 
tures  a  girl,  rubbing  his  cheek  against 
hers,  the  Indian  equivalent  of  a  kiss. 
With  great  merriment  the  crowd  moves 
off  in  the  direction  of  the  mesa,  dis 
closing  PADAHOON  and  the  CHI  SERA, 
who  have  come  up  unobserved.) 

PADAHOON 

Come  this  way,  Chisera.  The  girls  are  out 
on  the  mesa,  dancing  with  the  bride,  and  the 
women  are  grinding  at  the  metate  for  the 
marriage  feast. 

THE  CHISERA 
But  where  is  Simwa  ? 

PADAHOON 

With  the  bride,  no  doubt.  Here  is  his 
wickiup,  and  here  the  marriage  dower  beside 
it. 


88  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 
All  this? 

PADAHOON 

Never  so  many  gifts  went  to  a  wedding  in 
Sagharawite.  Every  woman  whose  man 
came  back  safe  from  the  war  gave  a  basket 
or  a  blanket,  and  Simwa  gave  all  of  his  share 
of  the  spoil  of  Castac. 

THE  CHISERA 

And  that,  I  doubt  not,  is  bitter  for  you  to 
see,  Padahoon. 

PADAHOON 

Why,  as  to  that,  Chisera,  it  is  good  to  see 
spoil  of  our  foes  in  the  camp ;  but  the  fighting 
men  of  Castac  were  our  blood  brothers.  See, 
here  is  the  blanket  where  the  newly  married 
pair  shall  sit  to  receive  the  blessings  of  the 
fruitful  women. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Bitterly.)  But  not  the  blessing  of  the 
Chisera.  Never  before,  in  my  time,  has  there 
been  a  bride  of  Sagharawite  but  sent  to  ask 
my  blessing. 

PADAHOON 
Aye,  but  Simwa  does  not  believe  in  charms 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  89 

and  spells.  (The  CHISERA  seems  about  to 
break  out  angrily,  but  restrains  herself.  PADA- 
HOON  watches  her  narrowly  as  he  speaks.) 
Look,  Chisera!  Is  not  the  bride  fair?  Fit  to 
set  a  man  beside  himself  with  desiring? 

THE  CHISERA 

She  is  but  a  child.  Her  breasts  are  scarcely 
grown.  No  fit  mate  for  a  war  leader. 

PADAHOON 

(Watching  her.)  But  a  man  so  well  fur 
nished  with  wisdom  need  not  look  for  it  in  a 
wife.  Is  it  not  so,  Chisera  ? 

THE  CHISERA 
Padahoon,  why  do  you  tell  me  this  ? 

PADAHOON 

(With  the  appearance  of  candor.)  As  often 
as  I  came  to  your  house  to  get  medicine,  you 
asked  me  for  news  of  the  campody,  and 
seemed  best  pleased  with  news  of  Simwa,  the 
war  leader;  and  with  reason,  since  he  has 
become  the  most  notable  man  of  the  Paiutes. 
Yet,  when  I  told  you  he  was  to  be  married 
to-day  to  the  Chiefs  daughter,  you  were  slow 
to  believe.  Now  tell  me  if  I  have  lied, 
Chisera. 


90  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

You  have  not  lied,  Padahoon,  but  Simwa, 
he  has  lied.  How  long  have  you  known  this? 

PADAHOON 
Since  the  time  of  Taboose. 

THE  CHISERA 
And  why  not  told  me? 

PADAHOON 

How  could  I  think  the  Chisera  wished  to 
know?  It  was  a  thing  you  might  have  heard 
from  the  women  grinding  meal  or  weaving 
baskets.  But  the  Chisera  does  not  often 
come  to  the  village,  except  there  is  illness. 

THE  CHISERA 

I  have  no  time  to  gossip  with  the  women. 
I  have  to  go  before  the  gods  for  them  and 
their  children. 

PADAHOON 

And  now  that  you  are  told,  what  will  you 
do? 

THE  CHISERA 
Is  there  so  much  to  do? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  91 

PADAHOON 
Only  to  give  him  your  blessing. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Bitterly.)  Did  I  not  give  him  that  at 
Castac  ? 

(Begins  to  search  about  among  SIMWA'S 
effects.) 

PADAHOON 

What  seek  you,  Chisera  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

The  arrow!  the  quiver!  Surely  Simwa  does 
not  dance  at  his  wedding  wearing  his  quiver? 

PADAHOON 

No;  but  when  he  is  not  wearing  it,  no  man 
knows  where  he  hides  it. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Searching.)  The  quiver!  I  must  find  the 
quiver! 

PADAHOON 

JT  is  said  he  has  a  magic  arrow  in  it  of 
such  power  he  would  have  it  fall  into  no 
man's  hands. 


92  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

(Muttering^)  Aye,  the  arrow;  the  black 
arrow. 

PADAHOON 

Chisera,  why  does  this  marriage  disturb 
you? 

THE  CHISERA 

Padahoon,  why  should  you  think  it  dis 
turbs  me? 

PADAHOON 
You  have  come. 

THE  CHISERA 

Why  should  not  one  maid  come  to  the 
marriage  of  another?  There  is  scarce  two 
summers'  difference  between  me  and  the 
Chiefs  daughter. 

PADAHOON 

Yes,  but  you  come  in  your  blanket.  Such 
has  not  been  your  custom  when  you  have 
come  among  us  on  errands  of  healing;  then 
you  dressed  sumptuously,  as  befitted  one 
bearing  the  word  of  the  gods.  Now  you  come 
like  an  angry  woman  who  would  hide  what 
is  in  her  heart. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  93 

THE  CHISERA 

(With  dignity.)  Cover  your  own  heart, 
Padahoon,  lest  I  ask  what  mischief  breeds  in 
it  to  bid  you  observe  me  so  much.  I  have  not 
forgot  that  you  would  have  paid  me  a  blanket 
to  be  made  war  leader  in  the  room  of  Simwa. 


PADAHOON 

(With  ugly  insinuation.)  Ugh!  huh!  Per 
haps  I  had  been  as  fortunate  as  the  Arrow- 
Maker,  if,  instead  of  giving  it,  I  had  offered 
to  share  it  with  you. 

THE  CHISERA 

Kima!  Padahoon,  you  do  tempt  me  to 
try  if  I  can  curse. 

PADAHOON 

(Conciliatory.)  I  have  no  wish  to  anger  the 
friend  of  the  gods,  but  I  am  a  plain  man 
wishing  good  to  my  campody,  and  it  seems 
not  good  to  me  that  Simwa  has  grown  sud 
denly  so  great. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Recovering  herself.)  What  has  that  to  do 
with  the  Chisera? 


94  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 

I  have  known  this  Simwa  since  he  was 
first  tied  in  a  basket,  and,  though  he  has 
grown  to  be  war  leader,  I  think  he  is  most 
like  a  pod  of  rattleweed  that  is  swollen  to 
twice  its  size  at  the  end  of  the  season,  yet 
has  no  more  in  it  than  at  the  beginning.  And 
I  do  not  know  how,  without  the  help  of  magic 
medicine,  he  has  come  to  be  what  he  is  with 
so  little  in  him. 


THE  CHISERA 
The  Chiefs  daughter  has  trusted  him. 

PADAHOON 

She  loves  him.  (During  this  scene  bursts 
of  Indian  music  and  singing  have  been  heard 
at  intervals.  It  grows  louder.  PADAHOON  and 
CHISERA  look  off.)  They  come  this  way, 
Chisera.  You  are  right.  When  a  man  has 
married  so  fair  a  wife,  there  is  not  much  left 
to  be  done  for  him. 

THE  CHISERA 

(With  bitter  irony,  as  she  moves  over  against 
SIMWA'S  hut  and  puts  up  her  blanket.)  I  am 
not  so  sure. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  95 

TlAWA 

It  is  Chisera. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(With  alarm.)  Where  is  my  daughter? 
(BRIGHT  WATER  enters  with  the  young 
girls,  laughing  and  talking.  Her  hair 
is  braided  with  golden  poppies  and  falls 
over  her  shoulders.  She  sees  the  CHI- 
SERA  standing,  tall  and  still,  by  SIM- 
WA'S  hut,  her  whole  figure  shrouded  in  a 
blanket,  which  is  drawn  up  to  cover  all 
of  her  face  but  the  eyes.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Who  is  it  comes  to  my  wedding  uninvited? 
How  her  eyes  burn  upon  me! 

SEEGOOCHE 

Hush!  She  will  hear  you.  It  is  the 
Chisera. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

The  Chisera?  Never  have  I  seen  her  like 
this.  But  she  has  come  to  bring  me  a 
blessing. 

SEEGOOCHE 

Do  not  speak  to  her,  my  daughter;  she  is 
not  in  the  humor  for  it. 


96  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Shall  I  not  be  courteous  to  the  first  guest 
who  has  come  to  my  husband's  house? 
Chisera,  I  am  pleased  that  you  have  come  to 
bless  my  marriage. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Out  of  her  blanket.}   Where  is  Simwa? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

He  comes  soon.  (Going  to  her.)  Last  night 
I  thought  of  you,  and  how  you  alone,  of  all 
Sagharawite,  had  kept  away  from  my  happi 
ness  — 

SEEGOOCHE 

Let  be,  daughter.  (Pulling  her  sleeve.)  It 
is  ill  stirring  a  coiled  snake.  ( To  the  CHISERA, 
with  intent  to  draw  her  of.)  Come  this  way, 
Chisera,  and  I  will  show  you  the  wedding 
presents. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Lowering  her  blanket  a  little.)  Show  me 
the  Arrow-Maker. 

(The  elder  men  have  entered,  among  them 
RAIN  WIND.) 

CHIEF 
What  is  this? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  97 

TlAWA 

It  is  the  Chisera  asking  for  Simwa. 

MEN 
Ah!  ah!  ah  — ah! 

(Exchanging    glances    of    inquiry   and 
amazement.) 

CHIEF 
Who  is  that  behind  her? 

WACOBA 

Padahoon! 

MEN 
Ugh!  huh! 

CHIEF 
So?  Why  does  she  cover  her  face? 

TIAWA 
She  makes  medicine  in  her  blanket. 

(The  Indians  draw  close  in  two  groups, 
the  women  together  and  the  men  on  the 
other  side.  They  watch  the  CHISERA  un 
easily.  BRIGHT  WATER  stands  a  little 
apart,  the  bridesmaids  moving  timidly 
toward  the  elder  women.) 


98  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

(Putting  down  her  blanket.}    The  Arrow- 
Maker  of  Sagharawite  is  slow  to  the  bridal. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
He  comes.   He  comes. 

(The  young  men  enter,  with  SIMWA  in 
their  midst,  painted  and  befeathered  as 
befits  a  handsome  man  on  his  wedding 
day.  Observing  the  CHISERA,  he  checks 
and  falters  in  his  walk.) 

SIMWA 
Chisera! 

THE  CHISERA 

Is  it  you,  Simwa,  who  wed  with  the  Chiefs 
daughter  ? 

SIMWA 

You  are  come,  Chisera  —    (Wholly  at  a 
loss.)   You  are  come  — 

THE  CHISERA 

I    am   come   to   your   marriage,    Simwa, 
though  I  am  not  invited. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

But  now  that  she  is  here,  Simwa,  you  will 
ask  her  to  bless  us? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  99 

SlMWA 

(Recovering  himself  with  an  effort.)  Surely, 
surely.  But  the  married  women  have  not 
blessed  us  yet.  (Taking  the  bride's  hand  and 
leading  her  to  the  blanket.  They  seat  them 
selves.)  Come,  Tiawa,  have  you  no  pine  nuts 
in  your  basket?  (With  an  effort  to  carry  it  off 
jovially.)  What!  will  you  have  my  wife  dig 
roots  before  her  wedding  year  is  out? 

(The  married  women  take  up  their  baskets 
and  begin  the  ceremony  of  sprinkling 
the  bride  with  nuts  and  seeds  in  token  of 
fruitfulness.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Warningly.)    Simwa!   Simwa! 

(The  women  leave  off,  huddling  together, 
looking  fearfully  at  the  CHISERA.) 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Getting  between  her  and  BRIGHT  WATER.) 
What  harm  to  you,  Chisera,  if  the  Arrow- 
Maker  weds  where  he  loves  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

(Looking  steadily  at  SIMWA.)  Aye  —  where 
he  loves —   (Pleadingly.)    Simwa!   Simwa! 
(She  drops  her  blanket  and  turns  away.) 


ioo  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Lifting  her  basket  to  her  shoulder  again.) 
Let  us  go  on  with  the  marriage. 

PADAHOON 

(To  the  company.)  If  the  Chisera  knows 
any  reason  why  this  marriage  should  not  go 
on,  should  she  not  say  it  openly  ?  A  word  half 
spoken  breeds  suspicion  faster  than  flies  at 
killing  time. 

CHIEF 

What  talk  is  this  of  reasons?  Have  I  not 
the  disposing  of  my  daughter  in  marriage? 
Reason  enough,  if  I  wish  it  so. 

PADAHOON 

That  which  is  most  reasonable  to  men, 
the  gods  see  otherwise. 

(A   murmur   begins    in    the   camp,    but 
SIMWA  takes  it  up  instantly.) 

SlMWA 

He  is  thinking  of  the  war  with  Castac. 
Truly,  you  were  not  eye  to  eye  with  the  gods 
on  that  occasion,  Padahoon. 

PADAHOON 

Were  I  so  sure  it  was  of  the  gods,  I  had 
not  stood  out  so  against  it. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  101 

CHIEF 

Was  not  Simwa  approved  of  the  gods 
through  the  mouth  of  the  Chisera? 

THE  CHISERA 
So  you  think. 

CHIEF 

Is  there  another  Arrow-Maker  so  skilled 
between  Tehachappi  and  Tecuya?  Are  any 
shafts  better  fashioned  to  fly  straight  to  the 
mark?  Is  there  any  hunter  knows  more 
surely  where  the  herds  feed,  or  strikes  quicker 
the  slot  of  a  deer? 

THE  CHISERA 
As  you  think. 

CHIEF 

Let  be  this  talk  of  reasons.  This  is  mere 
woman's  mischief,  to  nod  and  wink  and  to 
make  signs  with  the  eyebrows.  A  woman 
would  have  you  think  reason  enough  for 
marrying  if  she  liked  or  misliked  it.  Chisera, 
this  is  no  matter  for  the  gods,  but  a  plain 
mating  of  man  and  maid. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Flashing.)    Since  when  have  you  talked 


102  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

with  the  gods,  that  you  think  to  lesson  me 
in  their  business? 


CHIEF 

Since  you  have  been  a  father,  to  know 
reasons  for  the  bestowal  of  daughters. 

(Grunts  of  appreciation.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Letting  her  blanket  slip  to  her  breast.) 
Know,  then,  that  if  these  are  your  reasons, 
Rain  Wind,  there  is  no  more  meat  in  them 
than  in  the  husk  of  acorns.  If  good  fortune 
hangs  on  all  Simwa's  movements,  it  is  by 
reason  of  the  medicine  I  make  that  binds 
him  in  the  favor  of  the  Friend. 

SIMWA 

(Leaning  on  his  elbows,  with  the  manner  of 
being  quite  at  ease.)  You  are  very  free  with 
your  blessing,  Chisera,  if  it  is  so;  for  it  is 
well  known  in  the  camp  that  Simwa,  the 
Arrow-Maker,  does  not  believe  in  charms, 
nor  seek  them. 

INDIANS 

(Grunting  in  assent.)   Ugh!  huh! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  103 

THE  CHISERA 

(Letting  jail  her  blanket  in  a  burst  of  indig 
nation.}  "Nor  seek  them!"  -Ah!  Simwa! 
Simwa! 

(A  short  pause  of  embarrassment  and  con 
sternation  ensues.  Then  PADAHOON,  in 
a  manner  meant  to  seem  impartial  — ) 


PADAHOON 

The  medicine  of  the  Chisera  is  very  power 
ful,  but  one  must  allow  a  little  credit  to  the 
gods.  Simwa  was  chosen  war  leader  by  the 
trial  of  the  seven  sticks.  As  the  gods  willed, 
they  made  the  sticks  to  fall.  Is  it  not  so, 
Chisera  ? 


THE  CHISERA 

(Sullenly •,  from  her  blanket.)  I  do  not  know. 
I  did  not  look.  (Letting  fall  her  blanket  and 
speaking  proudly.)  I  had  persuaded  the 
Friend  to  give  victory  to  the  war  leader. 
What  should  I  care  for  the  sticks?  A  day 
and  a  night  I  made  medicine,  and  the  sign 
was  sure.  I  said  "Simwa"  and  the  gods 
confirmed  it. 

(The  Indians  remain  silent,  but  draw  a 
little  away  from  SIMWA.) 


104  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Rising  and  turning  toward  her.}  Chisera, 
why  should  you  make  medicine  for  Simwa? 

THE  CHISERA 
Chief's  daughter,  do  not  ask. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Chiefs  daughter  I  am,  and  wife  of  the  war 
leader.  Why  should  you  concern  yourself 
with  his  affairs? 

THE  CHISERA 

(After  a  pause,  with  great  dignity.)  Because 
he  loved  me. 

INDIANS 
Ah!  Ah  — ah!  Ah! 

SIMWA 

(Laughing.)  The  Friend  of  the  gods  has 
eaten  rattleweed.  Does  a  man  love  a  wild 
woman  who  goes  muttering  and  waving  her 
arms,  when  she  should  be  weaving  and 
grinding  meal?  Would  he  take  a  wander- 
thought  to  his  bed,  and  have  witless  chil 
dren  ?  Sooner  I  had  a  snake  in  my  hut  to  run 
and  tattle  to  the  gods  of  me. 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  105 

TAVWOTS 

(To  PADAHOON.)  Now,  if  it  is  true  that  he 
owes  his  fortune  to  the  gods,  they  have 
deserted  him,  else  he  would  not  speak  so  to 
a  jealous  woman. 

SIMWA 

(Looking  long  at  the  CHISERA,  haggard  and 
unpainted,  her  blanket  trailing,  and  then  to  the 
Chiefs  daughter,  and  back  again,  all  the  eyes 
of  the  campody  following.)  Is  there  any  come 
liness  in  a  witch,  that  a  man  should  desire 
her? 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Alarmed.)  Simwa,  Simwa!  If  you  have 
no  care  for  yourself,  at  least  remember  my 
daughter! 

SIMWA 

(Rising.)  Have  no  care,  mother.  If  I  do 
not  believe  she  can  bless,  neither  do  you 
believe  that  she  can  curse. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Mother,  let  be.  If  this  be  true  that  she 
speaks,  I  am  already  cursed. 

SIMWA 
(Going  to  his  wife.)   What  have  we  to  do 


io6  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

with  blessings  or  cursings?  The  Chisera  is 
unsound  in  her  mind.  I  have  seen  her  danc 
ing  in  the  hills  sometimes  where  I  went  to 
gather  eagle's  feathers  for  my  arrows,  and 
her  madness  has  made  a  curious  tale  of  it. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
I  would  I  might  believe  it. 

SIMWA 

(With  returning  complacency.)  Do  you 
find  it  so  hard  to  have  a  husband  whom  other 
women  admire? 

PADAHOON 

Chief  and  tribesmen,  if  it  be  true  that 
Simwa  values  charms  so  little,  let  him  declare 
what  it  is  he  keeps  sewed  in  his  quiver  so 
precious  that  he  must  hide  it  even  on  his 
wedding  day. 

(Murmurs.  The  CHISERA,  in  alarm,  en 
deavors  to  check  PADAHOON.  SIMWA 
turns  upon  him  with  a  snarl.) 

SIMWA 

Kima!  (Wildly.)  You  cannot  prove  that 
I  had  it  of  the  Chisera! 

PADAHOON 

(Suddenly  darting  out  two  fingers  from  his 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  107 

mouth,  moving  them  rapidly  in  the  manner  of 
a  snake'' s  tongue •,  with  a  hissing  sound.)  Snake 
of  two  tongues!  Now  I  know  you  for  the 
man  you  are,  braggart  and  liar! 

SIMWA 
Coyote  whelp ! 

(SiMWA  grasps  a  war  weapon,  a  stone  tied 
in  a  crotched  stick,  from  the  heap  of 
wedding  gifts,  and  smites  PADAHOON 
to  the  earth,  standing  threateningly  over 
him.  The  others  stiffen  into  tense  atti 
tudes,  drawing  their  blankets  tighter, 
their  eyes  burning  bright.  PADAHOON 
draws  the  knife  that  hangs  in  a  sheath 
at  his  neck.) 

CHIEF 

(Putting  SIMWA  back  with  a  hand  at  his 
breast.)  Peace!  Though  you  are  made  my 
son  by  this  day's  work,  you  shall  not  usurp 
judgment.  (To  PADAHOON,  as  SIMWA  moves 
slowly  back,  his  weapon  lowered.)  What 
charge  do  you  make? 

PADAHOON 

(Rising  on  his  elbow  to  spit  blood.)  Thou 
art  a  liar,  if  ever  there  was  one  in  Saghara- 


io8  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

wite,  and  have  nothing  which  is  not  owed  to 
the  Chisera. 

CHIEF 

Speak  straight,  Padahoon,  or,  by  the 
Bear,  I  shall  let  him  kill  you  where  you  lie. 

PADAHOON 

Three  nights  after  the  return  from  Tecuya, 
I  saw  you  at  the  Chisera's  house  —  and 
again  in  the  rains  —  and  at  the  time  of 
Taboose. 

CHIEF 
Is  it  so,  Chisera? 

THE  CHISERA 
It  is  so. 

PADAHOON 
Did  you  go  there  for  love  or  profit? 

(SiMWA  lets  slip  his  weapon  from  his  hand 
to  the  ground.) 

CHIEF 

Simwa,  if  you  were  the  son  of  my  body,  I 
should  not  know  which  to  believe. 

SIMWA 
Believe  him  if  you  like.    (Sullenly.)    If  a 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  109 

skunk  walk  in  my  trail  and  leave  a  stink 
there,  shall  I  go  out  of  my  way  to  deny  that 
it  is  mine?  No  doubt  the  woman  is  both 
mad  and  shameless. 

(Murmurs  of  indignation.) 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Afraid,  but  furious.)  Then  if  you  are 
shameless,  begone!  Stay  not  to  vex  the  mar 
riage  of  a  maiden.  Go!  Have  to  do  with 
your  gods,  and  leave  my  daughter. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Mother!  Mother! 

THE  CHISERA 

Shameless,  am  I,  Seegooche?  Then  there 
is  one  of  your  blood  shall  know  a  greater 
shame.  Great  hunter  does  she  think  her 
man?  Aye,  but  she  shall  come  to  dig  roots 
for  him  when  he  fails  of  the  hunt  and  be  glad 
of  the  offal  the  other  women  give  her  for 
pity.  For  this  I  say  to  you,  tribesmen  of 
Sagharawite,  that,  though  I  cannot  curse, 
yet  I  can  take  back  my  blessing. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
All  this  is  of  no  account,  Chisera.    No 


no  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

doubt  you  can  contrive  against  the  fame  of 
Simwa  and  bespeak  the  gods  to  neglect  him; 
I  wait  to  hear  what  proof  you  have  that  he 
loved  you. 

SEEGOOCHE 

Do  not  vex  her,  daughter,  lest  she  turn 
the  gods  against  you  also. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

No  matter,  mother.  What  Simwa  bears, 
I  can  bear.  What  proof,  Chisera? 

THE  CHISERA 
What  proof? 

(She  turns  toward  SIMWA,  faltering.    He 
smiles  contemptuously.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
That  Simwa  loved  you. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Slowly,  her  eyes  on  SIMWA.)  He  came  to 
my  hut  —  in  the  night  —  Chiefs  daughter 
(boldly),  even  as  he  comes  this  night  to  yours. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
(Impatiently.)   But  did  he  love  you? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  in 

THE  CHISERA 

He  made  me  so  believe.  (Looking  about 
and  noting  the  lack  of  conviction.)  How  else 
had  he  held  me,  since  last  the  poppies 
bloomed,  a  lure  to  snare  the  favor  of  the 
gods  ?  Does  he  say  he  was  not  blessed  ?  Aye, 
twice  blessed.  (She  takes  from  her  bosom  the 
amulet.)  Was  it  not  this  you  gave  me  to 
make  medicine  upon,  to  keep  your  lover  safe 
in  war  ?  Twice  blessed  he  was ;  but,  as  I  made 
my  blessing,  so  do  I  break  it. 

(Drops  the  amulet  and  grinds  it  underfoot.) 

INDIANS 

(Moving  uneasily.)  Ah!  Ah! 

THE  CHISERA 

And  this  is  the  proof  that  I  speak  truly. 
From  this  day,  whoever  brings  me  arrows 
shall  have  medicine  upon  them  without 
price,  and  who  would  have  news  of  the  pass 
ing  of  the  deer  shall  have  it  for  the  asking. 
Only  Simwa  shall  have  nothing  but  his  own 
wit  and  the  work  of  his  hands,  and  by  what 
befalls,  you  shall  know  the  truth. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

By  this  I  know  the  truth!  You  never 
loved  him,  or  you  would  not  now  betray  him. 


U2  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

(Moving  toward  the  trail.)  And  you, 
Bright  Water,  that  think  to  lie  in  your  hus 
band's  arms  this  night,  know  that  I  have 
lain  there  before  you.  And  you  shall  not 
dare  to  laugh  as  a  bride  laughs,  lest  it  be  to 
him  my  voice  in  the  dusk;  and  if  he  turns 
and  sighs  in  his  sleep,  you  shall  wonder  if  he 
dreams  of  the  Chisera.  Long  and  anxiously 
you  shall  look  in  the  trail  when  he  is  late 
from  the  hunt,  and  the  men  shall  mock  him 
that  he  could  not  keep  the  blessing  he  had 
got.  (BRIGHT  WATER  turns  despairingly  and 
sinks  on  the  ground,  holding  her  mother  by  the 
knees  and  sobbing  bitterly.  All  the  Indians 
draw  away  from  SIMWA,  leaving  him  standing, 
discomfited ,  in  the  middle  of  the  camp.  All  look 
with  awe  and  dread  at  the  CHISERA.  She  pro 
duces  a  small  medicine  stick  from  under  her 
blanket  and  twirls  it  with  menace.  Going.) 
As  for  you,  Arrow-Maker  of  Sagharawite, 
though  I  cannot  curse,  yet  am  I  the  friend 
of  the  gods,  and  they  have  regard  to  me. 
Look  well  to  yourself,  Simwa.  Look  well. 

CURTAIN 


ACT  THIRD 


ACT  THIRD 

TIME.  —  One  year  later. 

SCENE.  --  The  top  of  Toorape,  where  the  tribe 
has  been  driven  by  their  enemies  of 
Tecuya.  The  women  and  children  hide  in 
holes  in  the  rocks.  Off  to  the  right  on  a 
jutting  boulder,  against  the  sky,  stands 
YAVI,  as  sentinel;  two  or  three  wounded  lie 
about.  Crouching  over  the  fire  are  SEE- 
GOOCHE,  WACOBA,  and  TIAWA,  showing 
in  their  dress  and  appearance  the  marks 
of  a  year  of  distress,  as  do  all  the  others  as 
they  appear  upon  the  scene. 

YAVI 
(To  them.)   St— st! 

WACOBA 
(Rising.)   Some  one  on  the  trail! 

SEEGOOCHE 
What  is  it? 

WACOBA 

(To  her.)  Hush! 


ii6  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

YAVI 
The  Sparrow  Hawk! 

SEEGOOCHE 
News  from  the  Fighting  Men! 

TlAWA 

The  gods  grant  it  be  good  news ! 

(PADAHOON,  weary  and  with  disordered 
dress,  comes  clambering  up  the  face  of 
the  cliff.) 

YAVI 

(Calling  down  in  a  whisper?)   What  news  ? 

TIAWA 
Are  the  gods  still  against  us  ? 

PADAHOON 

As  they  have  been  since  the  day  the 
Chisera  took  away  her  blessing  from  the 
war  leader. 

WOMEN 
(Wailing  Ai!  Ai! 

(Others  come  out  of  the  rocks  to  join  in  the 
general  grief.) 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  117 

WACOBA 

Could  you  but  persuade  her  to  give  it  back 
again.  (Hopefully.) 

PADAHOON 

If  I  cannot,  then  this  is  like  to  be  the  last 
fight  of  Sagharawite! 

WACOBA 

If  you  cannot,  then  must  the  chief  enforce 
her,  for  since  we  were  driven  from  our  homes, 
neither  the  anguish  of  the  women  nor  the 
hunger  of  the  children  has  moved  her. 

PADAHOON 
I  will  speak  with  her  at  once. 

(He  goes  up  among  the  rocks,  and  the 
women  huddle  wretchedly  together  watch 
ing.) 

WACOBA 
Do  you  think  she  will  consent? 

SEEGOOCHE 

She  cannot  choose  but  do  it.  The  men 
have  kept  her  supplied  with  venison,  but  she 
must  know  that  there  is  hunger  in  the  camp 
of  the  women  and  children. 


n8  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

WACOBA 

And  that  the  Tecuyas  have  taken  the  best 
of  our  fighting  men. 

TlAWA 

But  no  man  of  hers.  I  have  always  said  — 
but  because  1  am  old  nobody  minds  me  — 
that  if  there  was  one  of  her  household  to  go 
to  battle,  she  would  need  no  persuasion  to 
go  before  the  gods.  I  would  Simwa  had  given 
her  a  child. 

WACOBA 

(Aside  from  SEEGOOCHE.)  Then  you  be 
lieve  that  he  was  her  lover? 

TIAWA 

What  else  ?  Would  any  but  a  jilted  woman 
sit  and  mope  while  our  wickiups  go  up  in 
smoke? 

WACOBA 

I  would  she  had  a  child,  but  not  Simwa's. 
One  of  that  breed  is  enough. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Who  has  moved  nearer  the  hut.)  Hush,  see 
the  curtain!  (They  start.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  119 

TlAWA 

It  was  the  wind. 

SEEGOOCHE 

They  say  she  has  not  made  medicine  since 
my  daughter's  marriage. 

WACOBA 

(Looking  off  to  the  right  where  the  mountains 
dip  abruptly  valley  ward.}  And  to  think  that 
even  now  they  must  be  fighting  under 
Toorape. 

SEEGOOCHE 
Hush!  Hush! 

(PADAHOON  and  the  CHISERA  come  out 
of  the  hut.  The  CHI  SERA'S  whole  ap 
pearance  is  of  heartbreak  and  neglect. 
She  leans  against  the  boulders  at  the 
lefty  holding  her  blanket  close,  and 
answers  PADAHOON  sullenly.} 

PADAHOON 

And  is  this  all  your  answer? 

THE  CHISERA 
The  trail  is  cold  between  the  gods  and  me. 


120  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 
Then  you  will  not  make  medicine? 

THE  CHISERA 
And  would  not  if  I  could. 

PADAHOON 

Have  you  turned  renegade,  Chisera,  and 
side  with  our  enemies  of  Tecuya  ? 

THE  CHISERA 

No,  Padahoon,  but  I  see  that  no  good 
comes  of  persuading  the  gods  to  do  more  for 
man  than  his  natural  destiny. 

PADAHOON 

You  have  always  persuaded  them  to  our 
advantage. 

THE  CHISERA 

What  good  came  of  having  Simwa  made 
war  leader?  Had  I  not  persuaded  them  to 
meddle  with  that  business,  the  leadership 
would  have  fallen  to  you  as  the  elder,  and  we 
should  not  now  be  without  allies  in  our  need. 

PADAHOON 
I  am  not  sure  the  gods  had  so  much  to  do 


THE   ARROW-MAKER  121 

with  that:  but  if  the  mischief  came  through 
them,  the  gods  must  repair  it. 

THE  CHISERA 

I  will  not  make  medicine.  Send  the  women 
away. 

PADAHOON 
What  shall  I  say  to  them? 

THE  CHISERA 

To  count  themselves  already  blessed  in 
having  those  for  whom  they  desire  blessing. 
Tell  them  that  to  have  loved  and  given  the 
breast  is  enough  to  salve  the  wounds  of  loss. 

PADAHOON 

You  are  hard,  Chisera. 

THE  CHISERA 

I  am  jealous  of  their  griefs.  Their  very 
pangs  I  envy  them.  Who  is  there  of  mine 
goes  to  this  war  that  I  should  grieve  for  his 
wounding  or  look  for  his  return?  (She  looks 
bitterly  toward  the  women  who  have  crept  from 
the  caves  to  peer  from  the  rocks  in  the  direction 
of  the  fighting.)  Persuade  me  no  more,  Pada- 
hoon.  I  will  not  do  it. 

(She  disappears  among  the  rocks  to  the 


122  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

left,  and  PADAHOON  turns  to  the  women 
who  crowd  around  him  anxiously.} 

WACOBA 
Has  she  promised? 

TlAWA 

Will  she  help  us? 

PADAHOON 

The  Chisera  will  not  make  medicine, 

WOMEN 
(Rocking  themselves  to  and  fro.)  Ai!  Ai! 

SEEGOOCHE 

Is  it  because  our  gifts  are  so  small?  She 
should  consider  how  hard  it  is  to  get  venison 
in  war-time. 

PADAHOON 

Her  heart  is  so  full  of  bitterness  that  there 
is  no  room  in  it  for  the  gods. 

WACOBA 

That  is  Simwa's  doing  —  though  he  is  your 
son,  Seegooche,  I  must  say  it  —  there  was 
no  better  Chisera  between  here  and  Teha- 
chappi  until  he  curdled  her  wisdom  with  his 
lies. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  123 

TlAWA 

Ah,  Simwa!   I  spit  upon  his  name. 

(The  women  spit  between  their  teeth  with 
sharp  hisses.} 

WACO  B  A 
How  the  Chisera  hates  him! 

PADAHOON 
How  she  loves  him! 

TIAWA 

(Struck  with  this.)  You  think  so?  Yet 
there  is  not  one  word  of  the  evil  she  said  of 
him  a  year  ago  that  has  not  come  to  pass. 

WOMEN 
Ai!  Ai!  On  him  and  us. 

PADAHOON 

And  hate  would  have  been  satisfied  to 
strip  him  of  his  honors,  but  now  she  lets  the 
whole  tribe  go  down  in  the  ruin  of  her 
love. 

WACOBA 

(Hopefully.)  Then  if  she  loves  him,  per 
haps  he  can  persuade  her. 


124  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 

As  well  persuade  the  rattlesnake  not  to 
strike  him. 

SEEGOOCHE 

If  the  Chief  should  insist,  she  would  not 
dare  refuse. 

PADAHOON 

There  is  little  she  would  not  dare.  But 
you  can  try. 

WOMEN 
Let  us  bring  the  Chief.          (They  go  out.) 

THE  CHISERA 
(Reappearing  cautiously.)  Have  they  gone  ? 

PADAHOON 
To  bring  Rain  Wind  to  command  you. 

THE  CHISERA 

Can  he  command  the  sap  to  rise  or  bid  the 
deer-weed  spring  when  there  is  no  rain?  My 
power  is  gone  from  me. 

PADAHOON 

Chisera,  it  is  a  grave  matter  to  refuse  serv 
ice  in  time  of  war  —  be  advised  by  the  word 
of  a  friend  — 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  125 

THE  CHISERA 
Has  the  Chisera  indeed  a  friend? 

PADAHOON 
Have  I  not  proved  — 

THE  CHISERA 

Padahoon,  when  did  you  ever  visit  me  for 
any  but  your  own  advantage?  For  what  else 
did  you  stir  me  against  Simwa,  and  why  now 
do  you  seek  my  blessing  but  to  make  good 
against  him  the  honor  of  which  he  has  robbed 
you  ?  Does  any  one  of  you  bring  me  venison 
except  for  profit  or  grind  my  meal  for  love? 

PADAHOON 

Seeing  how  little  good  you  had  of  the  love 
of  the  Arrow-Maker,  why  should  you  desire 
it? 

THE  CHISERA 

You  spit  poison  like  a  toad,  Padahoon,  but 
your  fangs  are  drawn.  The  Arrow-Maker 
never  loved  me. 

PADAHOON 

(Approaching  her  with  the  manner  of  having 
gained  a  point.}  If  you  have  the  wit  to  know 
so  much  — 


126  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

(Commanding  him  from  her  with  a  gesture 
as  she  seats  herself.)  Padahoon,  there  is  no 
more  power  in  me  than  there  is  tang  in  a 
wet  bowstring.  (She  rocks  her  head  between 
her  hands.)  It  is  gone  from  me  as  the  shadow 
goes  up  the  mountain.  As  the  wild  geese  go 
northward  at  the  end  of  the  rains,  so  is  my 
power  —  How  shall  I  win  it  again  who  can 
not  win  the  love  of  man?  .  .  .  Ah,  leave  me, 
Padahoon,  leave  me! 

(She  covers  her  head  with  her  blanket.) 
(Enter  CHIEF  RAIN  WIND,  stumbling  blindly, 
led  by  his  wife  and  followed  at  a  respectful 
distance  by  the  other  women.  He  walks  with 
dignity,  in  spite  of  his  blindness,  and  has  on 
all  the  insignia  of  rank  except  the  war- 
bonnet.  SEEGOOCHE  has  a  hasty,  eager  man 
ner,  ingratiating  but  timid.) 

PADAHOON 
(To  them.)   You  will  get  nothing. 

CHIEF 
I  do  not  come  asking:  I  command. 

SEEGOOCHE 
No,  no,  do  not  be  harsh  with  her!  Let  me 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  127 

speak,    we    women    will    understand    one 
another. 

CHIEF 

(Putting  his  wife  aside.}  Chisera.  (The 
CHISERA  starts  at  the  tone  of  authority,  but 
controls  herself.)  Friend  of  the  gods.  (She 
makes  a  movement  of  protest.)  I  have  that  to 
say  to  you  which  should  be  said  but  once, 
which  to  say  at  all  is  shame  to  you.  Great 
powers  have  been  given  you  to  turn  the 
favor  of  the  gods  as  a  willow  is  turned  in  the 
wind.  How  is  it  you  have  not  turned  them 
when  your  people  are  in  war  and  bad  fortune  ? 
We  are  driven  as  hunted  rabbits  to  hide  in 
holes  in  the  rocks,  and  our  fighting  men  are 
outnumbered;  even  now  we  do  not  know  if 
there  be  one  left  alive  of  them  —  Our  tribe 
shall  be  as  a  forgotten  tale  unless  you  inter 
cede  for  us. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Over  her  shoulder.)  What?  Is  it  possible 
Simwa  cannot  bring  this  affair  to  pass  with 
out  the  gods  ? 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Breaking  in  eagerly.)  Yes,  yes;  the  gods 
are  very  great,  there  is  nothing  without  them. 


128  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 
(Still  to  the  CHIEF.)   Does  Simwa  ask  it? 

CHIEF 
The  chief  commands  it. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Cringingly.)  No.  No.  Chisera,  mind 
him  not!  He  is  not  himself,  the  hunger  and 
the  loss  of  battle  do  distress  him.  We  beg  of 
you,  we  implore  you,  Chisera  —  we  will 
bring  gifts  to  you  —  gifts,  Chisera.  (She 
looks  about  despairingly  for  a  suitable  gift, 
snatches  a  great  rope  of  beads  from  the  CHIEF'S 
neck  and  drops  it  in  the  CHISERA 's  lap.) 
Spoil  of  our  enemies  when  the  war  is  over, 
and  this  to  keep  as  a  reminder  —  So  —  if 
only  you  will  persuade  the  gods  to  friend  us. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Lifting  the  collar  and  letting  it  fall.)  And 
if  I  will  not? 

(Still  with  her  eyes  on  the  CHIEF,  ignor 
ing  SEEGOOCHE.) 

CHIEF 

Chisera,  I  am  an  old  man,  and  I  knew 
your  father.  We  had  much  good  talk  to- 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  129 

gether  —  I  am  very  old  —  but  I  am  not 
blind  in  my  judgment  as  I  am  in  my  eyes. 
In  war-time  there  is  but  one  law  for  those 
faithless  to  the  tribal  obligation.  You  know 
it. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Drawing  her  blanket.}    I  know  it. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Dropping  to  the  ground  and  beating  the 
earth  with  her  palms.)  Do  not,  do  not  refuse 
it,  wise  one,  friend  of  the  Friend!  What  has 
Simwa  done  that  you  should  destroy  us  ? 

THE  CHISERA 
You  ask  me  that,  Seegooche? 

SEEGOOCHE 

I  know  —  you  said  -  Such  a  small  thing, 
Chisera.  To  love  you  a  little  before  he  loved 
my  daughter.  Young  men  do  often  so  — 
and  you  were  very  fair  and  no  doubt  be 
guiled  him  —  Ah,  who  could  withstand  you, 
daughter  of  the  gods?  (Wheedling.)  But 
your  punishment  is  heavy  upon  him. 

THE  CHISERA 
Is  it  so? 


130  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Thinking  she  has  gained  a  point.)  It  is 
indeed  as  you  said;  he  makes  no  more  arrows, 
and  his  luck  in  the  hunt  is  gone  from  him. 
And  the  men  mock  him.  A  war  leader  should 
not  be  mocked,  Chisera. 

THE  CHISERA 

No  more  should  a  friend  of  the  gods,  but 
Simwa  mocked  me. 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Loosing  hope.)  He  was  mad,  Chisera,  he 
had  eaten  rattle-weed.  But  my  daughter  did 
not  mock  you.  Think  of  my  daughter  1 

THE  CHISERA 

When  does  your  daughter  ever  think  of 
me? 

SEEGOOCHE 

(Broken  and  drooping.)  Every  day  she 
thinks  of  you.  When  she  is  a-hungered, 
when  her  man  brings  her  nothing  from  the 
hunt  —  as  —  you  have  said,  Chisera.  When 
she  digs  roots  with  the  old  women  and  no  one 
prevents  her  for  the  sake  of  a  child  to  be 
born. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  131 

THE  CHISERA 
(With  relish^}   Does  she  dig  roots? 

SEEGOOCHE 

With  the  barren  women.  Also  her  beauty 
goes,  she  is  so  thin  with  the  famine. 

THE  CHISERA 
(Baring  her  arm.)    I  also  am  thin. 

(From  this  moment  some  perception  of  the 
pervasive  misery  of  the  situation  enters 
her  mind  and  begins  to  color  her  speech.) 

CHIEF 

Hunger  and  sickness  and  war  have  come 
into  the  camp  because  you  kept  not  your 
heart,  Chisera.  Yet  a  greater  than  all  these 
shall  come  upon  you  if  you  forget  your  tribal 
obligation. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Rising  on  one  knee.)  What  obligation 
have  I  owed,  Chief  Rain  Wind,  and  not  re 
membered  it? 

CHIEF 

That  which  lies  upon  all  that  have  power 
with  the  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man.  Only 


132  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

the  gods  can  save  us,  and  only  you  know 
the  true  and  acceptable  road  to  them. 

THE  CHISERA 

(Rising  and  moving  toward  her  hut.)   I  am 

overweary  for  the  road;  let  Simwa  find  it. 

(An  arrow,  with  a  feather  and  a  fragment 

of  bark  attached  to  it,  is  shot  into  the 

camp  from  the  direction  of  the  fighting. 

PADAHOON  takes  it  up  and  carries  it  to 

the  CHIEF,  the  others  crowding  about.) 

CHIEF 
What  was  that? 

PADAHOON 
A  message  from  the  Fighting  Men. 

CHIEF 
Read  me  the  token. 

PADAHOON 

A  vulture's  feather  and  a  bark  of  whenon- 
abe.   Defeat  and  flight. 

WOMEN 
Ai!  Ai! 

(They  throw  up  their  arms  in  despair.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  133 

CHIEF 

They  will  not  be  far  behind  their  arrows. 
(All  listen.  A  faint  whoop  is  heard. 
PADAHOON  answers  with  his  mouth 
covered  with  his  hands.  The  rest  of 
the  women  and  children  come  out  of  the 
rocks.  Fighting  Men  come  clambering 
up  the  steep.  They  show  torn  clothing 
and  streaks  of  blood.  The  women  bring 
them  the  water-bottles  as  they  drop  upon 
the  ground.  WACOBA'S  husband,  PAM- 
AQUASH,  with  an  arrow  in  his  side, 
leaps  once  in  air  and  drops  dead.  His 
wife  sinks  on  the  ground  beside  him, 
rocking  and  moaning.  One  breaks  his 
unstrung  bow  across  his  knees  and 
stamps  the  pieces  in  the  earth.  Finally 
comes  SIMWA,  his  war-bonnet  bedrag- 
ghd.) 

SIMWA 

Ugh!  Is  it  so  I  find  the  fighting  men  of 
Sagharawite  —  huddled  together  like  rab 
bits  when  the  coyotes  are  after  them? 

WACOBA 

(Scattering  dust  on  her  head.)  Ai!  Ai!  My 
man,  my  man! 


134  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

SlMWA 

Be  still,  you  fool!  Would  you  call  up  our 
enemies  with  your  noise?  (The  wailing  drops 
to  a  moan.)  Put  out  that  fire  —  they  can 
sniff  smoke  as  far  as  a  vulture  smells  carrion. 
(Cnoco  stamps  out  the  fire.)  You,  Choco,  do 
you  show  your  face  to  me,  misgotten  whelp 
of  a  coyote!  It  was  you  who  led  the  fleeing. 

CHOCO 
(Sullenly.)  It  was  Tavwots. 

TAVWOTS 

By  the  Bear,  you  shall  have  a  wound  for 
that,  though  you  ran  too  fast  to  have  one  in 
battle. 

(He  draws  the  obsidian  knife  at  his  belt.) 

PADAHOON 

Fools!  (He  strikes  up  TAVWOTS'  arm; 
another  Indian  jerks  CHOCO  by  the  ankles 
causing  him  to  sit  down.)  Have  you  killed  so 
many  in  battle,  Tavwots,  that  you  can  afford 
to  lose  us  a  fighting  man? 

(The  men  subside,  exhausted.) 

CHIEF 
Peace!   Though  I  am  too  old  for  battle, 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  135 

yet  am  I  master  in  the  camp.    What  has 
happened  ? 

SIMWA 

We  have  shown  the  Tecuyas  what  running 
is  like. 

TAVWOTS 

The  gods  send  we  have  run  fast  enough  to 
throw  them  off  the  trail,  else  they  will  at 
tack  before  morning. 

(Consternation  among  the  women.) 

CHIEF 

( To  them.)  Kima  I  ( Their  grief  falls  off  to  a 
whimper.  To  SIMWA.)  Where  met  you  ? 

SIMWA 

Under  Waban  where  they  stayed  to  cook 
venison  they  had  killed.  We  had  every  way 
the  advantage  — 

TAVWOTS 

As  much  as  rabbits  when  they  have  met 
with  coyotes.  They  were  three  to  one  of  us. 

SIMWA 

(Ignoring  him  with  an  effort.)  We  were 
between  them  and  cover  —  we  were  driving 


136  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

them  toward  Waban  —  but  they  sent  one 
out  against  us  armed  —  Chief  and  father, 
how  do  you  think  he  was  armed  who  put  the 
sons  of  the  Bear  to  flight?  With  a  stick  —  a 
painted  stick  with  feathers  on  it.  (Angry  and 
protesting  murmurs.)  An  old  man  with  a 
stick,  Rain  Wind,  and  they  ran  before  him 
like  squaws  who  deserve  a  beating!  Faugh! 
(Native  movement  of  disgust.) 

TAVWOTS 

(Rising  on  his  elbow.)  You  shall  be  sicker, 
Simwa,  when  you  have  eaten  your  words. 
That  old  man  was  Tibu,  the  medicine  man 
of  the  Tecuyas.  I  knew  him. 

SIMWA 

Then  it  was  you,  Tavwots,  who  broke  and 
ran? 

TAVWOTS 

He  came  upon  us  with  charms  and  spells. 
He  had  the  gods  on  his  side. 

CHOCO 

Our  hearts  were  turned  to  water  because 
of  his  evil  medicine. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  137 

CHIEF 

Are  not  the  gods  of  Sagharawite  stronger 
than  the  gods  of  the  Tecuyas  ? 

TAVWOTS 

Not  when  we  have  one  to  lead  us  who  de 
spises  their  blessings. 

SIMWA 

Well,  I  believe  in  the  medicine  of  Tibu. 
He  has  made  old  women  of  you. 

CHIEF 

Think  no  more  of  that.  Let  us  consider 
what  is  to  be  done. 

(Shadows  of  vultures  appear  on  the  rocks, 
attracted  by  the  dead.  WACO B A  springs 
up  from  casting  dust  upon  her  head  to 
flap  them  away  with  her  blanket,  which 
she  spreads  over  the  body  of  her  hus 
band.) 

P AD AH O ON 

(As  he  motions  to  the  men  to  move  the  body 
near  the  shelter.)  Yes,  it  is  time  to  take 
counsel  when  the  birds  of  the  air  betray  us 
to  our  enemies. 

(The  women  gather  together  about  the  dead. 


138  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

One  of  them  takes  the  place  of  the  sentry 
who  comes  to  Council.  The  men  collect 
near  the  CHI  SERA'S  hut  with  the  ex 
ception  of  SIMWA,  who  remains  seated, 
re-stringing  his  bow.  BRIGHT  WATER 
goes  to  him.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Simwa,  how  long  will  you  let  your  pride 
destroy  us? 

SIMWA 
Is  that  a  word  for  a  man's  wife? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

It  is  a  true  one.  Do  we  not  know,  you  and 
I,  that  it  is  but  pride  that  makes  you  stand 
out  against  the  friend  of  the  gods  ?  Look  at 
me,  Simwa,  is  it  not  proved  on  my  body  that 
she  spoke  truly  when  she  said  that  you 
throve  only  by  her  blessing? 

SIMWA 
Can  you  bear  to  admit  so  much? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Bear?  What  have  I  not  borne?  Have  I 
complained  when  I  dig  roots  ?  Have  I  quiv- 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  139 

ered  when  I  was  mocked?  Has  there  been 
any  sign  of  shame  on  my  face  for  all  the 
scorne  on  theirs?  Have  I  said,  "Give  me 
children,"  when  the  nursing  mothers  pitied 
me?  Oh,  I  have  borne,  I  have  borne;  but 
this  I  cannot  bear. 

SIMWA 
What  is  now  so  hard? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

To  know  that  you  and  I  know  the  truth 
and  that  you  will  see  the  tribe  wiped  out  be 
fore  you  will  admit  it. 

SIMWA 
The  truth? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

That  you  were  the  Chisera's  lover  for  the 
sake  of  what  she  could  do  for  you,  and  your 
denial  left  her  no  way  to  prove  it  except  by 
taking  away  the  help  of  the  gods  from  us  all. 
Is  not  that  the  truth? 

SIMWA 

Would  you  have  me  ashamed  before  all 
men? 


1 40  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

BRIGHT  WATER 

When  have  I  not  been  ashamed  since  I 
married  you? 

SIMWA 

Let  her  alone  1  They  will  kill  her  if  she  re 
fuses  to  make  medicine  and  then  we  shall  be 
rid  of  her. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

And  you  would  permit  that?  (He  shifts 
uneasily  under  her  gaze.)  Simwa  —  (With 
profound  entreaty.)  Simwa! 

SIMWA 
What  is  the  witch  to  me? 

BRIGHT  WATER 

My  sister,  I  think,  for  she  has  loved  you 
even  as  I  have,  to  my  sorrow. 

(She  turns  away  from  him  meditating 
some  deep  purpose,  and  from  this  time 
on  the  progress  of  that  purpose  in  her 
mind  is  evident  in  her  bearing  toward 
her  husband.) 

CHIEF 
(Coming  forward.)    Let  the  Council  sit. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  141 

(They  sit  as  in  ACT  I.)   Simwa,  as  war  leader, 
what  plan  have  you  ? 

SIMWA 

It  wants  not  plans  so  much  as  men  to  do 
them. 

CHIEF 

Whatever  is  in  any  man's  mind  for  the 
good  of  the  tribe,  let  it  be  delivered.  Observe 
not  the  rule  of  the  elders,  but  speak  at  once. 
(A  moment,  during  which  black  looks  are  cast 
at  SIMWA.)  Will  no  one  speak? 

PADAHOON 

Chief  and  tribesmen,  once  I  gave  counsel 
and  you  despised  it  — 

CHIEF 
No  more  of  that.  Give  counsel  now. 

PADAHOON 

It  is  the  same  counsel,  but  time  has  not 
mended  the  occasion.  Penned  here  on  the 
edge  of  the  precipice  we  can  but  starve.  We 
must  break  through  our  enemies  and  strike 
at  their  women  and  their  stores. 


142  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

TAVWOTS 

Every  trail  is  watched.  Not  so  much  as  a 
weasel  can  go  in  and  out  from  Toorape  and 
they  not  know  it. 

PADAHOON 

With  so  many  watchers,  then,  they  cannot 
have  much  of  a  fighting  force  at  any  point.  In 
an  hour  it  will  be  dark;  we  shall  go  down  by 
Deer  Leap  with  the  women  and  children, 
and  stay  not  for  fighting,  but,  fleeing  for  our 
lives,  break  through  to  their  villages  — 

CHOCO 

But  if  they  move  on  us  to-night?  If  the 
vultures  have  already  betrayed  us  —  even 
now  they  may  be  within  earshot? 

TAVWOTS 

If  they  come  up  with  us  before  we  reach 
Deer  Leap  it  is  to  run  into  the  wolf's  mouth. 

PADAHOON 

I  have  thought  of  that.  To-night  they  ex 
pect  us  to  mourn  our  dead  and  go  before  our 
gods  — 

CHIEF 
So  should  we. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  143 

PADAHOON 

That  they  may  think  so,  leave  one  behind 
to  sound  the  medicine  drum  throughout  the 
night.  So  they  shall  fear  to  attack  and  ex 
pect  an  easier  victory  in  the  morning  when 
we  are  exhausted  with  dancing  to  the  gods. 

TAVWOTS 

But  he  that  stays,  what  shall  become  of 
him  — 

CHIEF 

He  shall  die  as  becomes  him  (rising)  —  as 
becomes  a  chief  of  his  people. 
(Murmurs  of  consternation  and  then  silence.) 

PADAHOON 

But  another  —  whose  counsels  we  prize 
less  — 

CHIEF 

It  is  the  tribal  use.  None  else  too  blind  for 
the  trail  and  too  feeble  for  the  sortie  (with 
grim  humor)  —  but  I  can  drum. 

(Solemn  grunts  of  approval.) 

PADAHOON 

If  we  win  through  Deer  Leap,  we  can 
make  terms  for  you.  Tribesmen,  what  say 
you?  (A  pause.) 


144  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

TAVWOTS 

What  I  say  is  for  myself  only;  but  I  go  not 
out  against  the  Tecuyas  again  unless  the 
Chisera  has  blessed  the  going. 

THE  COUNCIL 
Good  counsel;  good  counsel!  He  has  it! 

SIMWA 

There  are  two  or  three  things  to  the  mak 
ing  of  fighting  men,  Tavwots,  beside  the 
blessing  of  women. 

TAVWOTS 

Two  or  three  things,  Simwa,  that  I  think 
you  have  not:  honor  to  win  advantage  and 
wit  to  keep  what  you  have  got. 

PADAHOON 

As  for  me,  I  am  with  Tavwots;  but  (he 
looks  at  SIMWA)  —  the  gods  have  no  favors 
for  unbelievers. 

TAVWOTS 
Nor  have  we,  by  the  Bear! 

INDIANS 
(Springing  up.)  Nor  have  we!  No;  by  the 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  145 

Bear!  Out  with  him!  (They  hustle  SIMWA. 
One  snatches  off  the  war-bonnet,  another  the 
collar  of  bears'  claws.  Even  the  women  strike 
dust  upon  him  with  their  feet  in  an  excess  of 
contempt.) 

CHIEF 
Peace,  tribesmen! 

TAVWOTS 

Perhaps  we  shall  have  peace  when  we  have 
a  leader  against  whom  neither  the  gods  nor 
women  have  a  spite.  Tribesmen,  who  shall 
lead  the  going  out  but  he  who  planned  it? 

INDIANS 

Hi!  Hi!  Padahoon!  Padahoon!  (They 
fling  the  collar  about  his  neck.  TAVWOTS  hands 
him  the  bonnet.)  Hi!  Hi!  The  Sparrow 
Hawk. 

PADAHOON 

Do  not  count  on  me  too  much  with  the 
Chisera;  all  this  time  I  have  kept  in  camp 
with  my  wound  I  have  reasoned  with  her, 
but  still  she  refuses  me. 

CHIEF 
There  shall  be  an  end  to  that  — 


I46  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

PADAHOON 

How  then — ? 

CHIEF 

Who  denies  service  to  the  tribe  in  extrem 
ity  must  be  dealt  with  as  an  enemy. 

(Consternation^) 

CHOCO 
But  a  friend  of  the  gods  — 

TAVWOTS 
Let  the  gods  save  her  — 

CHIEF 

There  are  times  when  the  gods  must  be 
content  to  stand  still  and  see  what  men  will 
do.  Who  serves  not  us,  serves  our  enemies. 
It  is  the  law. 

PADAHOON 
(Reluctantly.)   It  is  the  law  — 

CHIEF 

Death  or  good  medicine  —  Speak,  tribes 
men! 

(Above  the  silence  of  the  Council  is  heard 
the  deep,  excited  breathing  of  the  wo 
men.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  147 

THE  COUNCIL 

(One  after  another^  Death.  Death.  Death 
or  good  medicine.    It  is  the  law. 

CHIEF 
(To  PADAHOON.)  Bid  her  come. 

PADAHOON 
(At  the  hut.)   Chisera,  come  to  Council! 

THE  CHISERA 

(Issuing,  wrapped  in  her  blanket.}     Who 
sends  for  me? 

CHIEF 

Death  is  hot  upon  our  trail.    Stay  him 
with  your  spells. 

MEN  AND  WOMEN 
Good  medicine,  Chisera,  good  medicine! 

THE  CHISERA 
Have  you  not  a  war  leader  — 

(She  stops,  noticing  the  bonnet  on  PAD 
AHOON  —  looks  from  him  to  SIMWA.) 

PADAHOON 
Who  invites  your  blessing,  Chisera! 


148  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

CHIEF 
Make  spells  for  thy  people! 

THE  CHISERA 

What  have  my  people  done  for  me  that  I 
should  weary  myself  to  make  medicine  for 
them? 

CHIEF 

Are  you  not  respected  above  all  women  of 
the  campody  ?  Even  in  war-time  — 

THE  CHISERA 

Ah  —  respect!  What  have  I  to  do  with 
respect?  Am  I  not  as  other  women  that  men 
should  desire  me?  Are  my  breasts  less  fair 
that  there  should  never  be  milk  in  them? 

CHIEF 

We  honor  you  after  the  use  of  medicine 
men.  What  more  would  you  have? 

THE  CHISERA 

The  dole  of  women.  Love  and  sorrow  and 
housekeeping;  a  husband  to  give  me  chil 
dren,  even  though  he  beat  me. 

CHIEF 
Love  you  have  given,  and  sorrow  you  have 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  149 

got.  Shame  and  defeat  are  your  children. 
So  it  is  always  when  power  falls  upon  women. 
The  word  has  passed  in  Council,  Chisera; 
will  you  repair  this  damage,  or  will  you  die 
for  it? 

THE  CHISERA 

(As  her  eye  travels  the  circle  of  the  camp.) 
I  do  not  find  the  taste  of  life  so  sweet  that  I 
should  turn  it  twice  upon  my  tongue;  but  — 
(Her  gaze  halts  on  SIMWA,  and  all  the  attention 
of  the  camp  seems  to  hang  a  moment  in  sus 
pense  as  SIMWA  ignores  her.)  Do  I  die,  then? 

PADAHOON 

Let  Simwa  die! 

INDIANS 

Ah -ah—! 

SIMWA 
What,  old  fox,  are  you  out  of  cover  at  last? 

PADAHOON 

By  whom  trouble  came  into  the  camp,  let 
it  depart.  Who  prevented  the  wisdom  of  the 
gods  at  the  throwing  of  the  sacred  sticks? 
By  whose  counsel  were  our  allies  of  Cas- 
tac  destroyed?  Who  hardened  the  Chisera's 
heart  so  that  she  kept  not  our  foes  from  us? 


ISO  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

INDIANS 

Simwa!   Simwa! 

PADAHOON 

Sons  of  the  Bear,  do  you  think  to  win 
favor  of  the  gods  when  you  have  one  who 
mocks  them  in  your  midst?  Would  you  see 
the  backs  of  the  Tecuyas?  Would  you  win 
to  your  homes  again?  Let  Simwa  die! 

INDIANS 

Aye,  aye.  Let  Simwa  die!  A  judgment! 
A  judgment! 

SIMWA 

(Aside  to  his  wife.}  My  quiver,  hand  me 
my  quiver! 

CHIEF 

Simwa,  as  thou  art  a  son  to  me,  I  fear  the 
charge  is  just.  But  do  you  entreat  the  Chis- 
era  to  go  before  the  gods  for  us,  then  will 
this  evil  pass. 

SIMWA 

(Rising.}  And  if  I  choose  to  have  it  said 
that  when  the  tribesmen  of  Sagharawite 
took  a  woman  to  Council,  only  Simwa  stood 
out  against  it? 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  151 

CHIEF 
Then  must  I  give  judgment. 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Simwa ! 

SIMWA 

(Folding  his  arms.)  It  shall  not  be  said  of 
me  that  I  have  borne  to  take  my  life  of  a 
woman. 

THE  CHISERA 

Whether  you  can  bear  it  or  not,  it  shall  be 
said  of  you,  for  though  I  am  unhappy,  I  am 
still  the  Chisera,  and  I  declare  unto  you 
that  neither  the  life  nor  the  death  of  a 
broken  man  can  avail  to  turn  the  gods.  But 
you,  Chief  Rain  Wind,  and  you  tribesmen  of 
Sagharawite,  —  if  you  must  visit  the  loss  of 
my  power,  let  it  be  on  your  own  heads,  for 
you  only  are  blameworthy. 

CHIEF 
This  is  no  time  for  riddles,  Chisera. 

THE  CHISERA 

I  mean  none.  What  did  Simwa  other  to 
me  than  the  occasion  allowed  him?  Was  it 
his  fault  that  he  found  me  alone  and  love- 


152  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

hungry?  Was  it  he  who  ordered  that  I 
should  live  apart  where  no  woman  could 
see  how  my  heart  went  and  give  me  counsel? 
Was  it  any  fault  but  yours  —  you  that  kept 
me  far  from  your  huts  lest  I  should  see  and 
carry  word  to  the  gods  how  unworthy  you 
were!  You  that  feared  yourselves  lessened 
when  I  walked  among  you  with  my  power  — 
Ail  Ai!  Did  you  think  at  all  what  became 
of  the  woman  so  long  as  you  had  my  medi 
cine  to  help  you? 

TlAWA 

(Creeping  forward.)  So  I  said,  so  I  said 
from  the  beginning.  She  was  taught  to  be  a 
Chisera,  but  she  was  born  a  woman! 

(Excitement  among  the  women.) 

CHIEF 
Your  words  are  sharp,  Chisera. 

THE  CHISERA 

The  fact  is  sharper.  It  has  eaten  through 
my  bosom. 

CHIEF 

We  meant  the  best  —  we  judged  you  com 
panioned  by  the  gods. 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  153 

THE  CHISERA 

Did  ever  a  woman  serve  them  the  less  be 
cause  she  had  dealt  with  a  man?  Nay,  all 
the  power  of  woman  comes  from  loving  and 
being  loved,  and  now  the  bitterest  of  all  my 
loss  is  to  know  that  I  have  never  had  it. 

(She  draws  up  her  blanket.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
And  not  you  only  — 

THE  CHISERA 
You  — ? 

(She  turns  away  confounded.) 

SIMWA 

Wife  —  wife  —  if  she  finds  the  gods  again, 
they  will  surely  kill  me. 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Let  them.  Though  I  am  your  wife,  I  am 
the  Chiefs  daughter,  and  the  tribe  is  still 
something  to  me.  I  will  save  them  if  I  can. 
Chisera  — 

(The  CHISERA  listens  and  turns  slowly.) 

CHIEF 
Is  that  my  daughter? 


154  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

TAVWOTS 
Hush!  Perhaps  she  will  move  her! 

BRIGHT  WATER 

Do  you  think  yourself  aggrieved  so  much, 
Chisera?  Come,  I  will  match  sorrow  with 
you,  I  and  all  these  (the  women  surge  forward), 
and  the  stakes  shall  be  the  people.  Here  is 
my  pride  that  I  throw  down,  in  my  bride 
year  to  know  my  husband  an  impostor. 
Have  you  any  sorrow  to  match  with  that? 

WACOBA 

Since  you  wish  a  man  so  much,  Chisera, 
here  is  mine  whom  the  vultures  seek. 

(The  women  part  to  show  the  dead  man 
stark  in  his  blanket.) 

HAIWAI 

Would  you  have  a  child  at  your  breast, 
Chisera,  here  is  mine,  for  my  milk  is  dried 
with  hunger. 

(She  holds  up  her  swaddled  child  which 
BRIGHT  WATER  takes  and  holds  toward 
the  CHISERA,  who  stands  confused,  for 
the  first  time  acutely  aware  of  their 
misery.) 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  155 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Measuring  the  effect  of  her  words.)  Chis- 
era,  my  breast  is  as  fruitless  as  yours  —  but 
you  .  .  .  you  have  .  .  .  good  medicine. 

TIAWA 

Lay  hold  on  the  gods,  Chisera,  these  are 
ills  from  which  man  cannot  save  us! 

(The  CHISERA  throws  out  her  hands  to  sig 
nify  the  loss  of  her  power •,  her  blanket 
slips  to  the  ground  and  she  covers  her 
face  with  her  hands.) 

THE  CHISERA 
Gone  —  gone !  It  is  gone  from  me ! 

BRIGHT  WATER 

(Signing  to  the  women  to  hide  the  blanket.) 
By  dancing  you  shall  bring  it  back  again— 
for  the  sake  of  the  women  and  children  — 
dance,  Chisera! 

(Her  voice  has  a  kindling  sound,  and  the 
women  echo  it  with  a  breath.) 

THE  CHISERA 

Oh,  I  have  danced  until  the  earth  under 
me  is  beaten  to  dust,  and  my  heart  is  as  dry 
as  the  dust,  and  all  my  songs  have  fallen 


156  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

to  the  ground.  (She  begins  to  walk  up  and 
down  excitedly.)  With  what  cry  shall  I  call 
on  the  gods,  now  my  songs  are  departed? 

(She  begins  to  chant.) 

And  my  heart  is  emptied  of  all 
But  the  grief  of  women. 

(The  women  watch  her  breathlessly;  as 
she  gradually  swings  into  the  dance, 
they  seem  to  urge  her  with  the  stress  of 
their  anxiety.) 

All  the  anguish  of  women, 

It  smells  to  the  gods 

As  the  dead  after  battle, 

It  sounds  in  my  heart 

As  the  hollow  drums  calling  to  battle, 

And  the  gods  come  quickly. 

(As  she  falters  the  tribe  surges  forward.) 

TRIBE 
Dance,  Chisera,  dance! 

(She  tries  again  and  no  strength  comes  — 
the  men  hold  up  their  hands,  palms 
outward,  in  the  sign  of  prayer.  The 
drum  begins  hollowly.) 

Come,  O  my  power, 
Indwelling  spirit! 


THE  ARROW-MAKER  157 

It  is  I  that  call. 
Childless,  unmated  — 

(Drums  and  rattles  are  brought  out,  at 
first  cautiously ,  lest  she  take  alarm 
and  be  turned  from  her  purpose,  but  as 
the  fervor  of  her  dancing  increases,  with 
increased  confidence.  SIMWA  remains 
seated  at  one  side,  watching  her,  his 
foot  touching  his  quiver.  PADAHOON, 
who  has  moved  over  near  him,  observes 
him  narrowly  in  the  interval  of  danc 
ing.  CHISERA  sings.} 

Nay,  I  shall  mate  with  the  gods, 

And  the  tribesmen  shall  be  my  children. 

Rise  up  in  me,  O,  my  power, 

On  the  wings  of  eagles ! 

Return  on  me  as  the  rain 

The  earth  renewing, 

Make  my  heart  fruitful 

To  nourish  my  children. 

(SiMWA  is  seen  to  strip  the  magic  arrow 
from  his  quiver.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Simwa,  Simwa,  what  do  you  do? 

SIMWA 

No  more  than  the  gods  will  do  to  me  if 
they  hear  her. 


158  THE  ARROW-MAKER 

THE  CHISERA 

This  is  my  song  that  I  make, 

I,  the  Chisera, 

The  song  of  the  mateless  woman: 

None  holdeth  my  hand  but  the  Friend, 

In  the  silence,  in  the  secret  places 

We  shall  beget  great  deeds  between  us! 

{As  she  rises  on  the  last  movement  of  the 
dance  toward  ecstasy,  the  excitement 
rises  with  her,  expressing  itself  in  short, 
irrepressible  yelps,  at  the  highest  point 
of  which  a  sere  am  from  BRIGHT  WATER 
arrests  the  dancers.) 

BRIGHT  WATER 
Chisera,  the  arrow,  the  black  arrow! 

(SiMWA  shoots.) 

THE  CHISERA 

(Dying.)   Ah,  Simwa!  (Dies.) 

(In  the  distance  is  heard  the  shout  of  the 
approaching  Tecuyas.) 

CURTAIN 


GLOSSARY  OF 
INDIAN  WORDS  AND  PHRASES 

THE  DANCES 
COSTUMES 


GLOSSARY  OF  INDIAN  WORDS  AND 
PHRASES 

THE  names  and  phrases  used  in  The  Arrow- 
Maker  were  chosen  from  the  culture  area  com 
prising  the  central  valleys  of  California,  from 
tribes  belonging  to  or  affiliated  with  the  Paiute 
group.  Exact  definitions  could  not  always  be 
ascertained  and  frequently  the  meaning  given 
by  different  villages  differed  widely.  Whenever 
possible  the  nomenclature  of  the  locality  in  which 
the  incident  occurred  is  preferred. 

Choco.  "Fatty";  a  nickname  of  doubtful  origin,  pos 
sibly  from  the  Spanish  Chopo. 
Pamaquash.    "Very  tall";    the  Paiute  equivalent  of 

Longfellow. 
Castac.    "Place  of  Springs";    a  small  valley  in  the 

southerly  Sierra,  from  which  the  inhabitants  take 

their  name. 

Yavi.  A  common  given  name,  meaning  unknown. 
Tavwots.    "Mighty  Hunter";  a   name  given   to  the 

rabbit  in  Paiute  lore. 
Seegooche.   "Woman  who  gives  good  things  to  eat." 

Lady  Bountiful. 
Tiazva.  A  familiar  title  frequently  given  to  old  women, 

like  "Grannie." 
Wacoba.    "Flower  of  the  Oak";  oak  tassel,  also  the 

plume  of  the  quail. 
Chisera.   Medicine  Woman;  witch.   (See  last  chapter 


1 62  GLOSSARY 

of  The  Flock  for  account  of  the  original  Medicine 
Woman  from  whom  the  character  was  drawn.) 

Tuiyo.   "Shining";  very  bright. 

Pioke.  "Dew  drop." 

Simzva.  Applied  in  humorous  sense,  meaning  a 
"swell." 

Padahoon.  The  Sparrow  Hawk. 

Tecuya.  Oak  thicket,  encinal. 

Pahrump.  Corn  water.  A  place  where  there  is  water 
enough  to  grow  a  crop  of  corn. 

Sagharawite.  "Place  of  the  mush  that  was  afraid." 
An  Indian  village  named  from  the  quaking,  gelatin 
ous  mush  of  acorn  meal. 

Paiute.  More  properly  "Pah  Ute":  the  Utes  who 
live  by  running  water  as  distinguished  from  the 
Utes  of  the  Great  Basin;  one  of  the  interior  tribes  of 
the  Pacific  Coast. 

"  Friend  of  the  Soul  of  Man."  The  Great  Spirit;  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

Toorape.  "  Captain  " ;  chief;  a  name  given  to  one  of  the 
peaks  of  the  Sierras. 

"  The  Sacred  Sticks."  A  number  of  small  sticks  with 
peculiar  markings.  Divination  was  practiced  by 
throwing  them  on  the  ground  and  interpreting  the 
pattern  in  which  they  fell. 

Haiwai.  "The  dove." 

Winnedumah.  "Standing  Rock";  a  legendary  hero. 

Tinnemaha.  Probably  "Medicine  Water."  Mineral 
spring.  Brother  of  the  hero  in  the  legend  of  Winne 
dumah. 

"Eaten  meadowlarks'  tongues."  Said  of  one  nimble 
of  wit.  With  the  idea  that  like  cures  like,  Indians 
were  accustomed  to  feed  backward  or  defective 
children  with  associated  parts  of  animals. 


GLOSSARY  163 

Whenonabe.  Bitter  brush;  a  decoction  of  the  bark 
producing  colic  and  griping;  a  symbol  of  disaster. 

"  Rattle-weed."  Astragalus;  produces  madness  when 
eaten. 

"Toyon."   California  Christmas  Berry. 

"  Snake-in-the-grass  .  .  .  tattle  to  the  gods."  Snakes 
are  believed  to  be  the  messengers  and  familiars  of 
the  gods;  therefore  the  Paiutes  tell  no  important 
matter  in  the  summer  when  they  are  about. 

"To  dig  roots  before  her  wedding  year  is  out."  A 
curse  equivalent  to  barrenness.  The  work  of  digging 
roots  was  not  performed  by  expectant  mothers. 

"  Wickiup."  A  wattled  hut  of  brush,  made  by  planting 
willow  poles  about  a  pit  four  or  five  feet  deep  and 
six  to  eight  feet  in  diameter.  The  poles  were  then 
drawn  over  in  a  dome  and  thatched  with  reeds  or 
brush. 

"  Campody."  An  Indian  village;  from  the  Spanish 
campo. 

Barranca.  A  bank,  the  abrupt  face  of  a  mesa.  From 
the  Spanish. 


THE  DANCES 

ALL  tribal  or  emotional  occasions  among  In 
dians  are  invariably  accompanied  by  singing 
and  dancing.  These  are  frequently  derived  from 
the  movements  of  animals  and  are  both  panto 
mimic  and  symbolic. 

The  object  of  the  medicine  dance  is  to  work 
up  the  dancer  to  a  state  of  trance,  in  which  he 
receives  a  revelation  in  regard  to  the  matter 
under  consideration. 

Some  of  these  medicine  dances  are  ritualistic 
in  character  and  must  be  performed  with  great 
strictness,  but  in  the  case  of  the  Chisera  the  dance 
is  assumed  to  be  made  up  of  various  dance  ele 
ments  expressing  the  emotion  of  the  moment, 
combined  by  individual  taste  and  skill. 

Power  is  supposed  to  descend  upon  the  dancer 
as  he  proceeds.  Sometimes  the  dance  lasts  for 
hours,  and  even  for  days  before  the  proper 
trance  condition  is  attained.  Even  then  the  rev 
elation  may  not  come  until  a  second  or  third 
climax  has  been  reached. 

The  blanket  dance  is  common  throughout  the 
Southwest,  and  possibly  elsewhere.  It  is  accom 
panied  by  a  song  which  says,  in  effect,  "How 
lovely  it  will  be  when  you  and  I  have  but  one 
blanket."  By  the  young  people  it  is  not  taken 
any  more  seriously  than  "drop  the  handker 
chief"  and  other  courtship  games. 


COSTUMES 

WHILE  the  scene  of  this  play  is  laid  among  the 
Paiute  peoples,  there  is  nothing  which  makes  it 
absolutely  unlikely  among  any  of  the  hunting 
tribes. 

Considerable  latitude  is  therefore  permissible 
in  costume  and  accessories.  The  only  indispen 
sable  thing  is  that  all  these  should  be  kept  within 
a  given  culture  area.  Every  article  of  Indian  use 
or  apparel  is  determined  by  some  condition  of 
living,  and  it  is  a  mistake  to  mix  costumes  from 
various  tribes. 

Concessions  must  be  made  to  the  objections 
of  the  modern  audience  to  the  state  of  nudity 
which  would  be  natural  to  the  time  in  which  the 
story  is  laid.  But  even  making  allowance  for 
this,  the  tendency  is  always  to  overdo,  to  have 
too  many  beads  and  fringes  and  war-bonnets. 
No  more  than  his  white  brother  did  the  Indian 
wear  all  his  best  clothes  every  day. 

The  blanket  is  the  most  considerable  item  of 
Indian  equipment.  At  once  by  its  quality,  its 
color,  and  its  pattern  it  announces  something  of 
the  wearer's  rank  and  condition. 

The  way  in  which  it  is  worn  betrays  the  state 
of  his  mind  as  does  no  other  garment.  It  is 
drawn  up,  shrugged  off,  swung  from  one  shoulder, 


i68  COSTUMES 

or  completely  shrouds  the  figure  according  as  his 
mood  runs,  or  it  is  folded  neatly  about  the  body 
to  get  it  out  of  the  way  of  his  arms  when  he  has 
need  of  them.  Blankets  would  be  worn  to  Coun 
cil,  but  not  going  to  battle.  They  would  be  worn 
by  young  and  modest  women  on  public  occasions, 
but  by  old  women  only  for  warmth  and  protec 
tion.  They  are  also  worn  as  an  advertisement  of 
the  desire  for  privacy. 

When  an  Indian  is  seen  completely  shrouded 
in  his  blanket,  standing  or  sitting  a  little  apart 
from  the  camp,  he  either  has  a  grouch  or  he  is 
praying.  In  either  case  it  is  not.  good  manners  to 
interrupt  him. 

As  far  as  possible  the  use  of  the  blanket  is  in 
dicated  in  the  text.  Always  it  may  be  safely 
taken  as  an  indication  of  the  wearer's  attitude 
toward  whatever  is  going  on  about  him. 


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